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SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS:

The value of an
energy audit
PAGE 46

tpomag.com
MARCH 2017

On to
New John Adie
Operations Supervisor
Concord, N.H.

Challenges
JOHN ADIE BRINGS A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
TO A NEW ROLE OPERATING TWO PLANTS
PAGE 42

TECH TALK:
Rehabilitating gravity filters
PAGE 40

IN MY WORDS:
A perspective on making do
PAGE 48
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4 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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contents March 2017
top performers:
WASTEWATER: PLANT Page 22
Experience Pays Big
The Florida town of Davie steps up to address restrictions on potable
water use with an award-winning MBR-based water reclamation facility.
By Ted J. Rulseh

WASTEWATER: PLANT Page 32


22 Up With Quality
32 San Elijo Joint Powers Authority water reclamation facility protects ocean
water quality and provides a drought-resistant recycled water supply.
By Trude Witham
on the cover WATER: OPERATOR Page 14
John Adie, retired from a
25-year career at the wastewater
Roots in Operations
treatment facility in Nashua, As he rose through the ranks in the water utility industry, Mark Knudson
New Hampshire, now super- never forgot the essential role of water and wastewater operators.
vises two other plants with By Jim Force
technologies that were new to
42 him. He was a 2015 winner of the WASTEWATER: OPERATOR Page 42
William D. Hatfield award from
On to New Challenges
the New England Water Environment Association.
14 (Photography by Oliver Parini) After a successful career at the wastewater treatment plant in Nashua, New
Hampshire, John Adie brings his experience to two more clean-water facilities.
By Doug Day

LETS BE CLEAR Page 8 filter underdrain offers advantages in effective PRODUCT NEWS Page 66
Where Can You Save? backwashing and efficient filtration. Product Spotlight Water: A polymer pump solution
Energy audits are nothing new, but they can By Thomas M. Getting, P.E., BCEE, and Product Spotlight Wastewater: Thermal mass
reveal opportunities for major efficiency improve- John Geibel, P.E. flowmeter a fit for biogas systems
ments and provide a sound business case for By Craig Mandli
implementing them. SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS Page 46
By Ted J. Rulseh, Editor Energy Insights WORTH NOTING Page 68
An energy audit points the way to major savings People/Awards; Events
LETTERS Page 10 in aeration and a host of future improvements for
INDUSTRY NEWS Page 69
the clean-water plant in Stratford, Ontario.
@TPOMAG.COM Page 12
By Doug Day
Visit daily for exclusive news, features and blogs.
IN MY WORDS Page 48
HEARTS AND MINDS Page 18 coming next month: April 2017
When Funds Are Scarce
Riding a Fad Operators in small communities often find FOCUS: Monitoring and Instrumentation
Pokmon Go became the vehicle for education at themselves with many more needs than available Lets Be Clear: Blue Mind: Understanding the real
a water festival that drew a big crowd for a county funds can meet. Here is a perspective from an power of water
utility agency in Georgia. operator in that position. Top Performers:
By Craig Mandli Wastewater Plant: Service ethic in Eagle
By Ted J. Rulseh
Mountain, Utah
PLANTSCAPES Page 20
After the Storm Pumps Company Directory Page 50 Wastewater Plant: Plant of the Year award for
Cape Fear, North Carolina
Rain gardens built after Hurricane Sandy help
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE Page 56 Wastewater Operator: Ken Burgener, North Davis
control runoff and provide lessons in green
Double Duty Sewer District, Syracuse, Utah
infrastructure for the New Jersey city of Hoboken.
A two-in-one unit from Schreiber removes grit Water Plant: Membrane excellence in Ogden Utah
By Jeff Smith
and grease from wastewater streams in parallel How We Do It: Affordable process improvement
HOW WE DO IT: WASTEWATER Page 30 channels, helping to protect downstream in Sunderland, Massachusetts
Choosing Durability processes. Sustainable Operations: Advanced recycling in
Stainless steel blades on mixer impellers help By Ted J. Rulseh Mission Viejo, California
eliminate maintenance issues and enhance Industry Perspective: Out with rapid infiltration
process performance at Research Triangle PRODUCT FOCUS Page 60 basins?
Parks treatment plant. Pumps PlantScapes: Forested land application in Dalton,
By Chris French By Craig Mandli Georgia
In My Words: Analyzing for phosphorus
TECH TALK Page 40 CASE STUDIES Page 64
Technology Deep Dive: Smart pumping solution
Rehabilitating Gravity Filters Pumps from Xylem
A dual parallel lateral configuration in a media By Craig Mandli

6 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

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Electrical Failure &
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E
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At the clean-water plant in Stratford,

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Has your water or wastewater treat-
ment plant gone through an energy audit
DEDICATED TO WASTEWATER & WATER TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS
lately? If not, perhaps the time is right.
Published monthly by COLE Publishing, Inc.
1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562
KNOW THE DIFFERENCES
Call toll free 800-257-7222 / Outside of U.S. or Canada call 715-546-3346
Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST If you decide to pursue an audit,
Website: www.tpomag.com / Email: info@tpomag.com / Fax: 715-546-3786 its useful to note that there are differ-
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: A one year (12 issues) subscription to TPOTM in the United ent types, or levels, and to choose the
States and Canada is FREE to qualified subscribers. A qualified subscriber is any individual one that best fits your needs. As in any other endeavor, you
or company in the United States or Canada that partakes in the consulting, design, instal-
lation, manufacture, management or operation of wastewater and water treatment facilities. get what you pay (or dont pay) for.
To subscribe, return the subscription card attached to each issue, visit tpomag.com or call Some energy audits are free. Often these are conducted
800-257-7222.
Non-qualified subscriptions are available at a cost of $60 per year in the United States and
by utility companies or equipment vendors. A free audit may
Canada/Mexico and $150 per year to all other foreign countries. To subscribe, visit tpomag.com or may not be comprehensive; it may identify only the most
or send company name, mailing address, phone number and check or money order
(U.S. funds payable to COLE Publishing Inc.) to the address above. MasterCard, VISA and obvious savings opportunities. And in some cases, that can
Discover are also accepted. Include credit card information with your order. be well worthwhile.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Submit to TPO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562; call 800-257- On the opposite end of the spectrum are energy audits
7222 (715-546-3346); fax to 715-546-3786; or email nicole.labeau@colepublishing.com.
Include both old and new addresses. that involve engineering evaluations; these may come with
Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected companies whose substantial price tags. The price may prove worth paying if
products or services may be of interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. If you prefer
not to be a part of these lists, please contact Nicole at nicole.labeau@colepublishing.com. the audit uncovers savings opportunities that a no-cost audit
ADVERTISING RATES: Call 800-994-7990 and ask for Phil or Kim or email phil.hahn@cole
would not. On the other hand, an audit that costs, say, $20,000
publishing.com or kim.bruss@colepublishing.com Publisher reserves the right to reject is no bargain if it yields only a similar amount in savings.
advertising which in its opinion is misleading, unfair or incompatible with the character of
the publication.
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Address to Editor, TPO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI,
WHICH TYPE?
54562 or email editor@tpomag.com. Organizations classify energy audits in different ways,
REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.tpomag.com for options and pricing. To order but there are basically four tiers.
reprints, call Jeff Lane at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email jeff.lane@colepublishing.com. The first tier consists of energy benchmarking. If you
To order back issues, call Nicole at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email nicole.labeau@
colepublishing.com. took this elementary step, you would work with an expert to
CIRCULATION: 68,317 copies per month. study your plants past data on fuel and electricity expenses,
2017 COLE PUBLISHING INC. and then compare your findings against results from other
No part may be reproduced without permission of publisher.
plants of similar size and with similar processes. You could

8 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


then use the data to see where you stand against your peers
and decide whether a more detailed audit might be worthwhile.

Severe duty
The second tier involves a review of your utility bills and
a walk-through of your plant with someone well versed in
water facilities and their energy usage. Many utilities and
some consultants offer this type of audit at no charge. Its a
good way to find low-hanging fruit places to save large
Septage Receiving
amounts of energy and money without a big investment, or
with a big investment that pays back fast. It can also help
you find areas that might warrant a closer look.
The walk-through will give you a reasonably detailed look
at how youre using energy and the large energy consumers,
like aeration, pumping, filtration and solids handling. At the
end, you receive a summary report and recommendations.

DIGGING DEEPER
The third tier is more and may simply follow up on the
walk-through, providing more detail. It might look into
areas such as your basic building heating, cooling and light-
ing systems, roof and wall insulation, the condition of win-
dows and doors, compressed air systems, and other
mechanical and electrical systems. It usually includes some
level of economic and engineering analysis, and predictions
of return on investment for various energy-saving measures.
The fourth and final tier is often called an investment-
grade energy audit. Its a comprehensive analysis of the
improvements you could make, with a tight focus on return
on investment. This type of audit is typically not free and in
fact can be expensive, but it can also be well worth the up-
front expense.
An investment-grade audit generally includes a close look
at utility rate structures and assesses how changes in usage
patterns such as shifting some operations to off-peak times
when power is cheaper might reduce costs. It also may
include a complete inventory of all energy-using equipment.

If you decide to pursue an audit, its useful to note


that there are different types, or levels, and to choose
the one that best fits your needs. As in any other
Handles unusual solids loading

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endeavor, you get what you pay (or dont pay) for.
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This kind of audit can be used to support a large and Robust construction
varied package of energy improvements, in which some have
fast payback, others have slower payback, and in aggregate
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Project packages are often undertaken as performance huberforum.net/rofas service & support
contracts in which an energy service company finances the
improvements, which are then paid for over a number of solutions@hhusa.net
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tract. It usually takes an investment-grade audit to support to operate
such savings guarantees.

WHATS BEST FOR YOU?


So, those are the basics. There is a lot of good informa-
tion about energy audits online; your local electric and gas
utilities may also be good sources. Energy isnt likely to get
cheaper. An energy audit can be a good way to start taking WASTE WATER Solutions
control of that component of your costs.

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tpomag.com March 2017 9


letters
Found a calling Hit your target
Wastewater and water treatment have changed my life. Both professional
areas have given me purpose, changed my outlook directionally and offered
with the Sludge Gun

goals to work toward for the environment, communities and for me person-
ally. The drive and passion that Ive always had didnt have direction until now. portable
The question of where to apply my love for science and the environment sludge level detector
was answered for my career path when wastewater and water treatment were
introduced to me. The other question what is my purpose? was also
answered by the water industry, opening new doors I never even considered
walking through.
Graduating with college degrees in engineering and communications
left me undecided and confused with life and my career. The confusion
unfortunately took me down a path that landed me in prison. The ironic
part is that this path introduced me to this terrific industry. Amidst all of
the tragedy, I had finally found my calling. Finding that answer despite
the situation resolved the toughest question that plagued me my entire
adult life. Water treatment and wastewater fulfill all of my personal pas-
sions and interests.
Water is our most important resource and should be treated as such. It
is vital to the survival of the human race and our planet. Treatment plant
operators and everyone else should do everything possible to preserve and
protect this resource. The quality of health and life for us and future gener-
ations should be a priority, and this industry can lead the way by integrat- Spot-Check
ing ourselves and new technologies into plant operations. sludge, silt & biosolids levels
As you stated in your article in the June 2016 edition, Its no longer sim- in clarifiers, tanks & lagoons
ply about getting water clean. Its about taking in wastewater and extracting
the resources it contains: clean water nutrients and energy. At the same Helps you
time, there are big advances in the processes involved. This statement, Eliminate unnecessary pumping/dredging
along with the big innovations sweeping through the industry, sparked even Prevent carryover
further excitement in me. Monitor bed depth for regulatory compliance
I have been working at a Class 3 activated sludge wastewater facility for Provide valuable sludge blanket profiles
10 months straight in the California Department of Corrections and Reha-
bilitation prison system. Working seven days a week, nine hours a day along
with the chief operators guidance, I have earned a Grade II wastewater Contact Markland today.
license and will be taking the Water Treatment II and Water Distribution II Call 905-873-7791 1-855-873-7791 in NA
exams next month. Even though Im in prison, even though Im away from
markland@sludgecontrols.com
my family, Im doing something I believe in while paying my debt to society
and rehabilitating.
In closing, Im excited about the path Im on. The water industry will be
my permanent career. My goal is to be a fixture in helping communities and
A half century of service
helping our struggling environment by treating the water I receive and the
to the water & wastewater industry
water I deliver back.
www.sludgecontrols.com
Michael Enstad
Pilot Rock Correctional Center FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX
Crestline, California
exams. All they need is the hands-on training time to activate their licenses.
My proposal is that you use your many resources to inform employers of
Asking for a chance this resource and try to convey that it would be a benefit to all if this resource were
put to use. In a time when many operators are retiring and filling vacancies
Im currently incarcerated, and Ive had the privilege to learn about the is difficult, every source of potential operators should be taken advantage of.
operation of wastewater and drinking water treatment plants. Ive learned My current status is that I may not be able to activate my license before
that if I dont get licensed before my release from prison, it will be extremely I am released. This situation is stressing and vexing to say the least. If there
difficult to obtain a job. is anything you can do to aid me and the many ex-offenders who are going
Many ex-offenders who have completed these courses are unable to to go through this situation, please do what you can. Were striving to right
acquire the hands-on training hours needed to receive their licenses and are our wrongs and be productive citizens.
told by companies that if they do not possess their licenses, they cannot be
hired. I feel this policy is wrong and should be changed. This resource of Daniel J. Murillo, Operator Trainee
future operators should be utilized. Most of these potential operators Marion Correctional Institution
already have completed their classes and have taken and passed their state Lowell, Florida

10 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

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@tpomag.com
Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our blogs, find resources and get the most out of TPO magazine.


OVERHEARD ONLINE

I can park my vehicle at the plant,


walk 200 feet across the street,

and climb into my deer stand.
Fishing, Hunting Are Key to Stress Management for This Operator
Tpomag.com/featured

INFRASTRUCTURE
CYBERSECURITY
Is Your Plant
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Parts of Americas aging infra-
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LEAD CONTAMINATION bring awareness to that problem by hosting a hacking competition that takes

A National Health Crisis aim at a model wastewater treatment facility.


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12 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX
top performer
water: OPERATOR

ROOTS IN

OPERATIONS
AS HE ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS IN THE WATER UTILITY INDUSTRY, MARK KNUDSON
NEVER FORGOT THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATORS
STORY: Jim Force | PHOTOGRAPHY: Ethan Rocke

THE TWO YEARS MARK KNUDSON masters in environmental engineering from Ore-
SPENT AS A WASTEWATER OPERATOR gon State University.
at the Cowlitz County (Oregon) Water Pollution He received a 2014 Award of Recognition for
Control Plant made all the difference in his career. Service to the Water Profession from the AWWA
As the CEO of the Tualatin Valley Water Dis- and a 2005 Powell-Lindsey Citation for Outstand-
trict, a recipient of the George Warren Fuller ing Service from the Pacific Northwest Section
Award for distinguished service from the Pacific AWWA. He is a registered professional engineer
Northwest Section and the AWWA, and a former and certified water distribution and treatment
member of the AWWA board of directors, he says operator in Oregon.
those early years taught him the importance of
operations and maintenance and the roles opera- MAKING A DIFFERENCE
tors play in successful water management. How did he decide on the water profession?
Id gone to college, gotten a masters degree, My father was an electrical engineer, Knudson
and was doing exactly what I wanted to do, designing says. He worked for a Portland-based consultant
water and wastewater systems, Knudson remem- who designed water and wastewater facilities.
bers. But I realized that operations was the missing That gave him exposure to treatment plants and
link. I needed to understand the operators perspec- water management at an early age and led to his
tive. I was fortunate that the Cowlitz plant man- education in water engineering.
ager took a chance and hired me as an operator. He has no regrets about his early career deci-
He says those two years gave him tremendous sions. The initial reward came through the tech-
perspective on how plant operators were the key nical side, optimizing treatment processes,
to success: That experience has stayed with me increasing efficiency and performance, simplify-
through my career. ing operations and improving reliability, he says.
He was also motivated by the idea that waste-
ENGINEERING BACKGROUND water treatment can make a difference in the envi-
Knudson was named CEO of the Tualatin ronment: Early in my career, I began to appreciate
Valley district in 2013, where he had served as the public service nature of what we do. The expe-
chief engineer since 2007. The district serves rience at Cowlitz County allowed me to better
more than 200,000 customers in Beaverton, Hill- Mark Knudson, P.E., CEO of the Tualatin Valley appreciate the public health significance of the
Water District
sboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington role of the treatment operator.
County, Oregon. As his career developed, Knudson was chal-
Before joining the district, Knudson worked for Carollo Engineers, the lenged by security issues around 9/11, and the need to harden facilities
Portland Water Bureau and the Clackamas River Water District. A native of against the risk of major earthquakes in the Northwest. Now as general
Tigard, Oregon, he earned a bachelors degree in civil engineering and a manager, hes in a position to put all the pieces together: operations, engi-

14 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Knudson and Troy VanRoekel, engineering department
distribution supervisor, check the status of the districts
water system, using the SCADA system Knudson developed
as an engineer before he was promoted to CEO.


Id gone to college, gotten a masters degree, and was doing
exactly what I wanted to do, designing water and wastewater
systems. But I realized that operations was the missing link.
I needed to understand the operators perspective.
MARK KNUDSON

Mark Knudson, P.E.,


Tualatin Valley Water District, Oregon
POSITION: |CEO
EXPERIENCE: |30-plus years in the industry

|
RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee and direct second-largest water utility
in Oregon

|
EDUCATION: Bachelors degree civil engineering, masters degree
environmental engineering, Oregon State University

|
CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Operator, Water Distribution Level 4 and
Water Distribution Level 3 of Oregon

|
GOALS: Provide quality water and quality service and ensure a reliable,
sustainable supply
GPS COORDINATES: | Latitude: 453020.62N; longitude: 122511.21W

Knudson is a registered professional engineer and certified


water distribution and treatment operator in Oregon.

tpomag.com March 2017 15


Mark Knudson leads team members during a meeting at the Tualatin
Valley Water District offices in Beaverton. From left, Pete Boone,
engineer; Paul Matthews, chief financial officer; Knudson; Andrew
Carlstrom, customer service manager; and Amy Heinlen, human
resources director.

FACING DOWN CHALLENGES


Mark Knudson sees little difference between his personal and He has extraordinary administrative skills. ...
professional challenges: Ive done water management my entire
life, and now theyre really one and the same. He has a good staff. Its unusual to find
At the top of the list he puts partnerships with other water someone with his credentials who has also
jurisdictions, followed by personnel, and then customer expecta-
tions. Historically, water supply has centered around indepen- been an operator. We go where he leads us.
dent systems that sometimes behave in a parochial manner. JIM DOANE
Today, Knudson believes systems need to rely on multiple
sources and interconnections to achieve the resiliency they need neering, environment, public service, public health and safety, and organi-
zational management.
to continue providing quality water. That and the need for rate
He has extraordinary administrative skills, says Jim Doane, who serves
efficiencies are driving water agencies toward regional solutions.
on the district board and has known Knudson for more than 30 years. He has
Technology is the easy part, he says. The real need is for so many balls in the air. He has a good staff. Its unusual to find someone with
cooperation and coordination among boards and councils of his credentials who has also been an operator. We go where he leads us.
multiple jurisdictions. They need to surrender a little bit of control
in order to achieve the greater public good. SECURITY AND 9/11
Finding great people is another challenge: Good isnt good On Sept. 11, 2001, Knudson was director of operations and maintenance
enough. We need people who are bitten by the public service for the Portland Water Bureau. The terrorist attack changed his own and the
bug and get personal satisfaction from meeting a critical commu- entire water industrys focus. I was driving to work when I heard about the
nity need as opposed to receiving a big salary. We need to grow
planes crashing into the towers, he recalls. Immediately, his attention
switched to security.
the future leaders and our industry.
We mobilized security, developed a command system, and implemented
As for meeting customer expectations: We tend to be a
a security plan. Suddenly we recognized how precarious the water system
conservative industry and slow to change. At the same time, the could be, at Portland or anywhere. At the time, Portland had large, open-
expectations of our customers regarding billing, account access, water reservoirs. Recognizing their vulnerability, the bureau hired security
updates and social media are evolving rapidly. services to monitor them. Over time, Portland formed its own security team
to guard key facilities.

16 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Oregon also needs to protect water systems against natural disasters, for decades, but havent talked about it. He believes its time for the indus-
including earthquakes. Knudson helped lead development of seismic hard- try to speak up and share the good news by making better use of communi-
ening plans for the state. He made presentations on the vulnerability of water cation tools and strategies that respond to customers concerns and needs: Use
systems before the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission. And a video rather than a bill-stuffer.
when the state legislature authorized preparation of an Oregon Resiliency And focus on the value of water: Water rates could triple and people
Plan, Knudson became co-chair of the work team to identify seismic vulner- would still pay less for it than for cable TV. We need to build support for the
abilities and resiliency strategies for water and wastewater systems. essential nature of our service. We cant afford to wait for a disaster, like an
Historically, the Northwest wasnt considered especially vulnerable to earthquake, to begin making investments in reliability.
a large earthquake, Knudson says.


But recent research shows its at sig-
nificant risk. Its imperative that we The secret to success is to be clear about our objective, and not get
plan for a magnitude 9 earthquake lost in the details. Were providing a resilient source of water for
in the next 50 years in the North-
west. It would be similar to the 2011 generations to come.
earthquake in Japan, and the impacts MARK KNUDSON
on our communities would be
catastrophic.
We arent able to upgrade everything, so we focus
on developing a resilient backbone of key facilities
and pipelines that are designed to withstand such a
quake. Pipelines represent some of the biggest chal-
lenges. They need special protection, especially at
the joints.

GOING REGIONAL
Knudson is putting his planning experience into
practice as part of a new regional water supply pro-
gram the Tualatin Valley district is managing. Its a
100 mgd supply system that includes a treatment
plant, transmission pipelines and reservoirs that will
draw water from the Willamette River to supply the
district and five other partnering agencies.
Our district gets about half its water from the
Portland Water Bureau, which is expensive, and much
of that system was built before we understood the
seismic risks, Knudson says. The new system will
take advantage of the districts previous investment
in an intake on the Willamette. The new supply sys-
tem will cost about $1.2 billion and employ awesome
technology to meet the regions needs, Knudson
says. The project must be operational by June 2026.
The success of the regional project has required
open communication and cooperation. It has been
a six-way conversation, Knudson says. The secret
to success is to be clear about our objective, and not
get lost in the details. Were providing a resilient
source of water for generations to come.

REACHING THE PUBLIC


Public outreach is one of the most important fac-
tors in the Willamette regional supply system and in
successful water management overall, Knudson
believes: We need to be open and honest to main-
tain the confidence of our customers and the trust of
our regional partners.
He notes that people often dont understand that
basic services like firefighting require a safe, reliable
municipal water system: In the Portland area we
average 37 inches of rainfall a year. Water falls from
the sky and the public assumes it should be cheap.
We need to continue to remind people that their pub-
lic health and safety depend on clean water.
Knudson observes that for years, the water indus-
try has been a silent service: Weve done great work
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tpomag.com March 2017 17


HEARTS
AND MINDS

Riding a Fad
POKMON GO BECAME THE VEHICLE FOR EDUCATION AT A WATER FESTIVAL
THAT DREW A BIG CROWD FOR A COUNTY UTILITY AGENCY IN GEORGIA
By Craig Mandli

U
nless youve lived off the grid for the past nine months, youve prob-
ably heard of the hit game, Pokmon Go.
Laurie Loftin learned about the game when she saw visitors to
parks and other public areas walking while staring at their mobile devices.
She made Pokmon Go the theme of a water festival that drew big atten-
dance for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (Georgia).
It was hard not to notice all the people walking around, says Loftin,
water conservation program education specialist for the county. Once the
news coverage hit, you really couldnt avoid it. I downloaded the app so I
could see what everyone was coming for.

MAKING IT FUN
Using their smartphones, Pokmon Go players navigate a virtual map
to capture Pokmon creatures, then train them and battle them against oth-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY

ers at gyms. Loftin applied the game to the seventh annual Athens Water
Festival at Sandy Creek Park in September.
Families bring their kids out because it is something really fun, says
Loftin. From there were able to speak to the adults, who arent likely to
come to a workshop on their own. So were able to get water education to
both kids and parents.


Families bring their kids out because it is
something really fun. From there were able to
speak to the adults, who arent likely to come to a
workshop on their own. So were able to get water
education to both kids and parents.
LAURIE LOFTIN

During the festival, kids get sprayed by water trucks, see the inside of a
fire hydrant, and touch marine and freshwater creatures. Adults take part in
short workshops to learn about homemade green cleaning products, rain
barrels and rain gardens. Singers, dancers and a magician also take part.
Loftin ties current events and fads into each festival. After borrowing
from Star Wars for a virtual light-saber battle at the 2015 festival, she
focused on Pokmon last year. As attendees entered the festival grounds,
Exhibits included a water filtration experiment. their first stop was the countys I Made a Splash booth, which doubled as
the Pokmon gym.

18 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Getting sprayed by water
trucks was a highlight for
kids at the Athens Water
Festival.

BELOW: The activities attached to


each Pokmon character encour-
aged water conservation and the
importance of clean water. For
example, to capture the Pokmon
named Politoed, players had to
name three reasons they need and
value water.

There they received a Water Log with directions to locate Pokmon at


several of 20 educational booths. Once they completed four activities on the
Water Log to capture four Pokmon, they could return to the gym to collect
a prize.
The activities encouraged water conservation
and the importance of clean water. To capture the
Pokmon named Politoed, players had to name
three reasons they need and value water. To catch
Marill, they learned why its important to keep
trash and leaves out of storm drains. They
caught Squirtle for learning about water effi-
ciency tricks, such as turning off the faucet
while brushing teeth.
The lessons werent complicated, but
they were ones that we hope stick with these
kids, says Loftin. It was a lot of fun, and we
were very pleased with the results.

SUCCESSFUL OUTREACH
The 2016 festival drew more than 800
attendees, a record crowd, even though
the University of Georgia football team
played a home game on the same day.
This is big football country, so any
time you compete with the Bulldogs,
you dont know what youre going to
get, says Loftin.
The crowd that came out, though,
was very diverse. There were a lot of
young families with small children, and many older
people who just wanted to learn more about our water system. It was
a very nice group. Weve asked young parents about what the best ways to EPA. I think pretty much everyone takes clean water for granted in this
involve them are, and almost all say to find a way to involve their kids. country, says Loftin. Its our job to let people know how important it
That model has earned national recognition. The county Public Utili- really is. The more diverse we can make that message, the wider audience
ties Department received a 2016 Partner of the Year award from the U.S. were going to reach.

tpomag.com March 2017 19


PLANTSCAPES


The city has plans
to build other
infrastructure like rain
gardens throughout
the community, and
wed like to think its
because ours have
been so successful.
PHIL REEVE

The larger of two rain gardens in


front of North Hudson Sewerage
Authority administration building
in Hoboken, New Jersey.

After the Storm PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH HUDSON


SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

RAIN GARDENS BUILT AFTER HURRICANE SANDY HELP CONTROL RUNOFF AND PROVIDE
LESSONS IN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE NEW JERSEY CITY OF HOBOKEN

By Jeff Smith

L
ots of rain and stormwater runoff in a short time can challenge any The smaller garden is 44 by 18 feet; the larger one measures 90 by 10
combined sewer system. feet. Both are designed to handle 3 inches of ponding. They drain through
Just ask the operators of the Adams Street Wastewater Treatment 12 inches of permeable soil on top of 6 inches of gravel. The certified sandy
Plant in Hoboken, New Jersey, where flooding in parts of the city is common. soil mixture is amended with up to 7 percent organics and contains less
None was more challenging than the flood caused by the 14-foot storm surge than 5 percent clay and silt.
produced by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when nearly half the city was flooded.
We were devastated, and the plant was offline for 24 hours, says Phil HELP WITH MAINTENANCE
Reeve, project manager for CH2M Hill at the 20.8 mgd (design) plant The gardens support native grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and
owned by North Hudson Sewerage Authority. But through a lot of hard deep-rooted plants some 800 in all. For aesthetics, an 18-inch-wide bor-
work and cooperation we were back to full treatment in five days. der of stone adorns each garden.
The plant staff performs only a small amount of maintenance; most of
PART OF THE PLAN that work falls to students from Hobokens Stevens Institute of Technology.
Not long afterwards, Reeve and his staff coordinated the design and The students volunteer their time and do the work as part of a study by their
installation of two rain gardens, the first of them in Hoboken, as part of a professor, who monitors the capacity and water quality to determine the
site improvement project. As it happened, that effort gave the authority a rain gardens efficiency.
head start on a regional planning effort called The Hoboken Green Infra- Reeve says the rain gardens are the result of the second attempt to build
structure Strategic Plan, which evolved over the next two years. them. In 2011, an anticipated grant from an irrigation equipment manufac-
Finalized in late 2013, the plan is part of a 13-county initiative in North turer to fund the project fell through, but the authority was so committed to
Jersey called the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. Funded by the project that its leaders decided to pay for the gardens. Work was then
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the plan outlines a interrupted by Hurricane Sandy.
variety of ways to reduce stormwater runoff, such as by constructing wetlands, Our rain gardens have been very successful, says Reeve. The city has
building basins or ponds, creating vegetated swales, installing green roofs, plans to build other infrastructure like rain gardens throughout the com-
minimizing areas of impervious surfaces, and installing rain gardens. munity, and wed like to think its because ours have been so successful.
The two rain gardens at the Adams Street Plant are in front of the main
administration building. Each captures flow from the parking lot and LEARNING TOOLS
diverts it away from the combined sewer system. Education is a big part of the rain gardens success. Besides the study by

20 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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an expert in green infrastructure


from the Stevens Institute, stu-
dents from Columbia University
and officials from the New Jersey
Department of Environmental
Protection have toured the plant.
Tours conducted for students and
the public also include the story of
the rain gardens.

Our goal in
constructing the
rain garden was to focus
our local communities
on green solutions in
urban settings.
DR. RICHARD J. WOLFF
Share Your Ideas
Our goal in constructing the
rain garden was to focus our local TPO welcomes news about
communities on green solutions in interesting features of your facilitys
The team at the North Hudson grounds, signage or buildings for
urban settings, says Dr. Richard J. Wolff, the authoritys executive direc- future articles in the PlantScapes
Sewerage Authority includes, from
tor. There is a great deal that can be done with green infrastructure in column. Send your ideas to editor
left, Phil Reeve, CH2M Hill project
densely populated areas serviced by CSO collection systems. We wanted to manager; Ludmila Bgongoradazi and @tpomag.com or call 877/953-3301.
set an example for developers and municipalities alike, and this rain garden Guiherme Wecker, Stevens Institute
has been a great step forward in that regard. of Technology exchange students from Brazil; Dr. Richard J. Wolff, authority
executive director; and Steven Hudock, CH2M Hill client services manager.

tpomag.com March 2017 21


top performer
wastewater: PLANT

Experience STORY: Ted J. Rulseh


PHOTOGRAPHY: Robert Herrera

Pays Big THE FLORIDA TOWN OF DAVIE STEPS UP TO ADDRESS


RESTRICTIONS ON POTABLE WATER USE WITH AN AWARD-
WINNING MBR-BASED WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY

22 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Plant mechanics Greg Cavicchia (left) and Tony Tristram
inspect the reverse osmosis system at the Town of Davie
Water Reclamation Facility. (Pumps by US Motors [Nidec
Motor Corporation].)

was the same with the lab. We had specified some equipment but it was not
stocked initially.
Next, we had to do subtle upgrades and modifications, like adding sig-
nage, installing lockout/tagout stations, adding hoses and reels, placing lock-
ers for personal protective equipment, building the Material Safety Data
Sheet collection, deciding where to install valves and sample ports, setting up
an office, and more. Having an experienced staff was extremely helpful.
The teams success has been recognized with the 2016 David W. York
Water Reuse Facility of the Year Award (1 to 5 mgd category) from the Flor-
ida Water Environment Association.

SECURING THE RESOURCE


The fast-growing town of Davie (population 96,000) lies about 10 miles
inland from Fort Lauderdale. Davie is home to several institutions of higher
education, including Nova Southeastern University, Broward College, and
satellite campuses of Florida Atlan-


tic University and the University of
Florida. The Bergeron Rodeo Part of the startup
Grounds, next to the town hall, is a
stop on the national professional
stage of the MBR
rodeo circuit. process is to build that
The history of the water recla-
mation facility goes back to 2007, biofilm on the front of
when the South Florida Water Man-
agement District (SFWMD) adopted the membranes. At
the Regional Water Availability Rule, startup, the effluent is
requiring utilities to develop alter-
native water supplies to meet future good, but it continues
demands and minimize impact on
aquifers. For the town of Davie, that to get better as you
meant 0.6 mgd reduction in the avail- build the biomass.
able water supply.
JOHN McGEARY
After a thorough needs assess-
ment, town officials determined that
a 6 mgd brackish water treatment facility and a 3.5 mgd reclaimed water
facility would be needed by 2013. The brackish water reverse osmosis plant
reduced withdrawals from the freshwater Biscayne aquifer by instead draw-
ing from the deeper Floridian aquifer.

Town of Davie (Florida)


Water Reclamation Facility
COMMISSIONED: | 2013
WHEN THE FLORIDA TOWN OF DAVIE BUILT ITS NEW SERVICE AREA: | 35.6 square miles
water reclamation facility with a membrane bioreactor, the operators had no POPULATION SERVED: | 96,000
experience with the technology. FLOWS: | 3.5 mgd design, 1.4 mgd average
They did have substantial experience in the wastewater treatment indus- TREATMENT LEVEL: | Advanced secondary
try, and that enabled them to bring the plant online smoothly, delivering TREATMENT PROCESS: | Membrane bioreactor
high-quality effluent from the start. After 3 1/2 years in operation, the plant BIOSOLIDS: | Land-applied
treats an average of 1.4 mgd, up to 70 percent of it delivered to customers for
EFFLUENT: | Recycling for irrigation, deep well injection
reuse in landscape irrigation.
ANNUAL BUDGET: | $36 million (all utility operations)
In starting up a brand new facility, besides learning the equipment and
developing operating procedures, we were faced with having no support WEBSITE: | www.davie-fl.gov

structure on site, says John McGeary, chief operator. We had a mainte- GPS COORDINATES: | Latitude: 2645.28N; longitude: 80145.27W
nance shop, but no tools, equipment or supplies, and limited spare parts. It

tpomag.com March 2017 23


From left, plant operators Walter
Fletcher, Todd Tysinger and Scott
Hull inspect connectors on the
TrojanUVFit disinfection unit.

Both new treatment facilities


were built in the same complex, which
also includes town Utilities Depart-
ment administrative offices. The
town also operates an older water
treatment plant and a 5.5 mgd sec-
ondary wastewater treatment plant
with three contact stabilization pack-
aged units, sending effluent to the
nearby city of Hollywood for reuse
and ocean discharge.

EFFICIENT PROCESS
The water reclamation facility
was designed and built by AECOM;
Ovivo supplied the MBR. Influent
from two pump stations first enters
the headworks, passing through two
23 mm rotating drum screens (Huber
Technology) and then a cyclonic grit
removal system (Fluidyne Corp.).
A biofilter (Evoqua Water Tech-
nologies) controls odors from the
headworks. It doesnt use harsh
chemicals, says McGeary. We fill
it with plant food. The media devel-
ops a biomass that consumes the
hydrogen sulfide. That is followed
by an activated carbon absorber (Evo-
qua). We just dont have odors.
From the headworks, the flow
moves to two covered anoxic basins
for denitrification. It is then pumped
to an aeration zone where nitrification
occurs. The blowers are controlled on
a feedback loop based on a programmed
dissolved oxygen setting.
In the MBR channels, aeration
continues. A thin microbiological film
on the membranes aids BOD and TSS
removal. Part of the startup stage of
the MBR process is to build that bio-
film on the front of the membranes,
says McGeary. At startup, the efflu-
ent is good, but it continues to get
better as you build the biomass.
We regulate the flow through the
membranes with pumps controlled
by variable-frequency drives. If the
level goes up in the anoxic tanks, then
the system pumps more. If the level
goes down, it pumps less. Our pumps
are on the discharge side of the mem-
branes; we pull the flow through the
system. Our favorite feature is that
we dont have clarifiers. Were not
dependent upon settleability. We dont
have to worry about filaments. We dont
have to worry about cleaning weirs.

24 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Walter Fletcher, plant operator 1, checks plant
readings using a Model 55 dissolved oxygen meter
(YSI, a Xylem brand).

There was excitement in


being at a place that had
never been in service before.
Most everybody starts a career a
place thats well established. We
were not. It was up to us to set
the parameters and build the new
standard operating procedures.
JOHN McGEARY

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The mixed liquor suspended solids not processed FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX
after the MBR flows by gravity back to the anoxic
basin. The permeate goes through a TrojanUVFit disinfection system. The Disinfected effluent is sent to two storage tanks designated reclaim and
finished water is then sent to reuse storage and then on to customers; excess reuse. The difference between the two is that if the process becomes upset,
over customer demand is injected down deep wells. the connection between the tanks is severed and effluent is delivered only to
Solids are wasted to a 400,000-gallon two-stage aerobic digester. A mem- the reclaim tank, from which it is pumped down the deep wells.
brane biothickener in Stage 1 continuously removes water, thickening the If turbidity and disinfection are good, then the two tanks are intercon-
material from 1 percent to 3 percent solids. Aeration continues in Stage 2. nected and we pump reuse to customers on pressure demand, says McGeary.
The material is then delivered to a rotary press (Fournier Industries) to We maintain pressure at 70 psi, and customers use what they need. If the
dewater. The press is self-contained, says McGeary. The solids and the level goes up and the tanks are full, then the deep well pumps come on. Our
polymer enter a mixing chamber and then go into the press. usage can vary greatly. If it rains five days in a row and nobody uses any
An automatic system loads truck trailers with finished Class B biosolids water, thats when the deep wells come into play.
for transport to farms for land application. Contractor H&H Liquid Sludge Major reuse customers are the University of Florida Agricultural Test-
Disposal handles hauling, site permitting and application for biosolids from ing Center, which abuts the plant property; Nova Southeastern University
both the towns treatment plants. We also have permits to send material to across the street; and a golf course down the road from the plant. The dis-
lined landfills or to residuals management facilities, McGeary says. tribution system has been extended to a town park and a town golf course,

tpomag.com March 2017 25


Town of Davie Water Reclamation Facility
PERMIT AND PERFORMANCE
INFLUENT EFFLUENT PERMIT
BOD ~150 mg/L < 4 mg/L 20 mg/L The team at the Town of Davie Water Reclamation Facility includes, from left,
Scott Hull, Greg Cavicchia, John McGeary, Todd Tysinger, Anthony Tristram
TSS ~200 mg/L Not detected 5 mg/L
and Walter Fletcher.
Turbidity 0.1 NTU 0.2 NTU 95 percent of the time
0.5 NTU absolute limit
Coliform Not detected Not detected 95 percent of the time MBR in our county, says McGeary. Ovivo provided classroom training dur-
25 cfu/100 mL absolute limit ing the late stage of construction, and technical representatives from the
company were on site during startup. AECOM, as the facility designer, also
but neither receives reuse water because capacity is insufficient. In the near provided training.
future, an additional wastewater pump station will be rerouted to the recla- There was excitement in being at a place that had never been in service
mation plant, raising its average flow to about 2 mgd. before, McGeary says. Most everybody starts a career in a place thats well
established. We were not. It was up to us to set the parameters and build the
MEETING THE CHALLENGE new standard operating procedures.
MBR technology challenged the operations team, which McGeary joined We started in a half-mode with just one aerator and one anoxic tank
shortly before startup. He holds a Class A Wastewater Operator license and because we only had one pump station feeding the plant in the beginning.
previously spent 33 years with the city of Fort Lauderdale, ending as chief That gave us a chance to learn at lower flows. The process worked quite well.
operator of the citys 55 mgd regional treatment plant. He was also captain I would say most of our startup headaches were just minor bugs, like electri-
of a seven-time state champion Operations Challenge team. His staff mem- cal and plumbing problems.
bers are: Between Ovivo, AECOM and our own maintenance staff, we got every-
Scott Hull, plant operator II, Class B, 35 years in the industry, Operations thing fixed and got the plant running smoothly. We were extremely pleased
Challenge team member with the quality of the effluent, even right away. We started by only discharg-
Charles Arline, plant operator II, Class B, 35 years, former superin- ing to the deep wells until we had a good track record. We ran that way for
tendent at another utility six months to make sure we had a good quality consistency before we began
Todd Tysinger, plant operator 1, Class B/C, 20 years to push reuse water out to customers.
Jewerl Foster, plant operator 1, Class C
Walter Fletcher, plant operator trainee KEEPING IT RUNNING
Gregory Cavicchia and Anthony Tristram, utilities maintenance mechanics Along the way, the team built the SOPs based on a U.S. EPA model that
Cynthia Doyon, compliance and efficiency manager includes seven phases for each procedure. An in-house lab allows operators
Other than a small pilot plant here and there, I believe we were the first to perform tests for process control. Samples for compliance testing are sent
(continued)
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tpomag.com March 2017 27


KEEPING IT GREEN
The Town of Davie Water Reclamation Facility and the adjoining
brackish water treatment plant and offices operate in keeping with
the towns larger focus on sustainability, embodied by the slogan:
Make Davie Clean Through Green.
When this facility was designed, it had a lot of green features
built in, says John McGeary, chief operator. The buildings have
multizone heat pumps for air conditioning. The lights are on motion
sensors so that they turn off when spaces are unoccupied.
We capture all the rainwater here on site, says McGeary. We
have retention areas, and they are interconnected. An underdrain
takes all the rainwater and percolates it back into the aquifer. We
even capture the rain from the roofs and parking lots. This facility is
not an aquifer drawer but an aquifer adder.
In general, the town acts affirmatively to promote water
conservation. Residents can pick up low-flow showerheads and
sink faucet aerators. A town park hosts Broward Countys annual
Water Matters Day, where water utilities and product vendors set
up exhibits as many as 90,000 people attend.
Town utility officials also meet with homeowner associations to
advocate wise use of water and discuss topics such as best practices
Greg Cavicchia performs maintenance on a Verderflex Dura 25 peristaltic for irrigation. Water conservation is a big deal, says McGeary. It
pump chemical feed system (Verder).
is becoming more important in South Florida, as consumptive-use
permits from the Biscayne Aquifer are being restricted.
to a certified laboratory.
The team has developed an extensive safety program. All members are
trained in first aid and in the use of the plants automatic electric defibrilla-


tors. Team members and compliance officer Doyon do full walkthroughs of
the plant every two months to identify issues that need attention. All SOPs
Water conservation is a big deal [and]
include a safety component. The fire alarm and suppression system is thor- becoming more important in South Florida.
oughly tested annually. Training courses for continuing education credit are
JOHN McGEARY
offered periodically to staff by vendors, the city of Fort Lauderdale safety
training bureau, and the local operators association.
For McGeary and his team, starting and running the plant has been a good
ride and a source of satisfaction. Once we moved the influent pipe here from
the other plant, it was the point of no return, he says. We had to learn quickly
how to get things right. The plant works very well. Its very consistent. If you
have the machines running right, they will produce results for you.

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Todd Tysinger checks settings for the rotary press (Fournier Industries) used to
dewater solids before transport to farms for land application.

28 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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tpomag.com March 2017 29


wastewater:
HOW WE DO IT

Choosing Durability
STAINLESS STEEL BLADES ON MIXER IMPELLERS HELP ELIMINATE MAINTENANCE ISSUES
AND ENHANCE PROCESS PERFORMANCE AT RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARKS TREATMENT PLANT
By Chris French

A
re fiberglass or stainless steel impeller blades better for a wastewater
treatment plants mixers? At one of the worlds largest research parks,
there is no shortage of expertise for weighing whether one material
is better than another.
With more than 200 companies and some 50,000 people skilled in fields
such as microelectronics, telecommunications, biotechnology, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals and environmental services, Research Triangle Park in
Durham County, North Carolina, is a place to find answers to all sorts of
technical questions.
At the nearby Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant, operators experi-
ence made a case for mixers with stainless steel impellers. As a result, the
plant team has been gradually replacing its fiberglass-bladed mixers with
stainless steel.

VARIABLE FLOWS
Industrial wastewater accounts
for 70 percent of the plants intake,
but it also handles large flows from
the weekday workforce at the research
park, and from 6,000 local residents
on weekends, when flows are appre-
ciably slower.
Joseph R. Pearce, deputy direc-
tor of the Durham County Engineer-
ing and Environmental Services
Landia submersible mixers and air-jet units mix and aerate the biosolids
Department, says, Although our
sludge tanks at Durham County.
percentage intake of industrial waste-
water is significantly higher than the
The Durham County team chose national average, we still have to deal PROCESSING SOLIDS
mixers with stainless steel impeller with all the hair and rags that despite Built in the early 1960s and expanded in the 1970s, the Triangle plant
blades for extended service life. pre-screening can cause clogging was upgraded in 2005 when the 6 mgd tertiary treatment facility was replaced
problems for any treatment plant. with a 12 mgd five-stage enhanced biological nutrient removal system that
During his near 10 years at the plant, Pearce and his team have labored removes nitrogen and phosphorus with carbon source addition and chemi-
long and hard to keep the original mixer blades going. Weve been doing cal phosphorus treatment using sodium aluminate. The mixers installed at
everything we can, but the clogging, especially during storm events, became that time had fiberglass impellers.
more and more frequent. In 2013, a new biosolids handling facility was constructed. This time
We had to pull up mixers from which heavy hair mixed with plastics around, with Pearce at the helm, the decision was made to use mixers from
and cotton swabs were hanging, taking them out of service. It became nor- Landia that have solid stainless steel impellers.
mal for this to be once per month, per mixer in some of the treatment facil- The biosolids facility consists of two aerated holding tanks with 1 million
ity mixing zones. Eventually, the blades gel-coat front edge wears off, making gallons capacity, three centrifuges, and an automated truck loading station.
them split, and at up to almost $10,000 per blade to replace, this was some- Excess biomass flows to sludge holding tanks. The waste sludge thickens by
thing we had to address. gravity, and the supernatant is decanted into a sidestream equalization tank.

30 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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much to the mixers, says Pearce. Were extremely happy with our invest-
Landia mixers and jet aerators then go to work on the thickened mate-
ment because improving Durham Countys facilities and improving safety
rial (1 percent solids) to ensure a uniform solids concentration and minimize
is very much our mission.
anaerobic conditions. Polymer is added to the thickened material before it
Setting standards at the Triangle plant is nothing new. The facilitys
is moved to the centrifuges, which deliver a cake at 20 percent solids. This
administration building was the first to be LEED-certified. Low-energy,
material is pumped to trailers for transport to a commercial Class A com-
recycled, and regionally manufactured materials were used in its construc-
posting facility for stabilization and distribution to the landscape market.
tion. The buildings wastewater is treated and rerouted to the HVAC system
In our biosolids facility, we have no issues whatsoever with the mixers,
and low-flow toilets. Using reclaimed water has reduced potable water use
says Pearce. They were very reliable, so we then retrofitted a Landia mixer
by 32 percent.
into one of our problem basins to try it. After a seven-month run we had no
In addition, the Triangle plants recycled water facil-

ity consists of four turbine pumps, a hydropneumatic


Although our percentage intake of industrial wastewater is tank, a 500,000-gallon storage tank, instrumentation
and metering, a dual disinfection system and a distribu-
significantly higher than the national average, we still have tion system.
to deal with all the hair and rags that despite pre-screening can
RECYCLING VALUE
cause clogging problems for any treatment plant. Recycled water has become a community asset for
JOSEPH R. PEARCE landscape irrigation, cooling towers and construction
activities. In Research Triangle Park, having a redun-
clogging whatsoever, so one by one as the existing mixers split, we replace dant water supply is important for water-critical facilities such as computer
them with the stainless steel impeller mixers. We expect fewer clogging prob- database services, pharmaceutical plants, LED manufacturing, and agricul-
lems and blade wear not to be an issue. tural research and development in greenhouses.
Triangles proactive recycling didnt escape Pearces eye when he recently
MAINTENANCE SAVINGS snapped up some 12-year-old Landia
The Triangle plant now has 15 of the stainless mixers, and that is expected mixers from another treatment plant Share Your Ideas
to almost double as the steel units are phased in. The mixers will be installed in North Carolina: Even though TPO welcomes news about interesting
in the anoxic and anaerobic zones and in 18-foot-deep oxidation ditches these mixers are over a decade old, methods or uses of technology at
your facility for future articles in the
requiring propellers about five feet in diameter, operating at 47 rpm. the blades are in excellent condition.
How We Do It column.
Not surprisingly, weve made a big saving on our maintenance program, Ill gladly have these longer-lasting
and Im also pleased for our team that there is now much less use of winches stainless steel units on board as Send your ideas to editor@
and crane hoists and exposure to rags because we dont really have to do backup. tpomag.com or call 877/953-3301

tpomag.com March 2017 31


top performer The San Olijo facility nestles in a small canyon between
Interstate 5 and the Pacific Ocean. FACING PAGE: Chopper
wastewater: PLANT pumps circulate biosolids through heat exchangers and
back to digesters, continuously grinding and chopping to
ensure uniform consistency and temperature.

Up With Quality
SAN ELIJO JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY PROTECTS
OCEAN WATER QUALITY AND PROVIDES A DROUGHT-RESISTANT RECYCLED WATER SUPPLY
STORY: Trude Witham | PHOTOGRAPHY: Collin Chappelle

AS A SMALL WASTEWATER/RECYCLED the treatment facility, eight lift stations and the San Elijo
WATER AGENCY WITH JUST 21 EMPLOYEES, Ocean Outfall, co-owned with the city of Escondido.
the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA) has accom- The water reclamation system consists of tertiary
plished big things. treatment facilities, 19 miles of recycled water distribu-
In 2016, it was named Recycled Water Agency of the tion pipelines, and three recycled water reservoirs hold-
Year by WateReuse California in the medium-size cat- ing 750,000 to 1 million gallons.
egory, recognizing the agency for its leadership, creativ- The authority wholesales recycled water to the San
ity and persistence in developing recycled water as a Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District,
valuable local water supply. Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the city of Del
That would not have happened without exceptional Mar to irrigate fairgrounds, golf courses, parks, school
teamwork. Our operations staff, led by operations direc- properties and highway rights-of-way. Says Thornton,
tor Chris Trees, P.E., shows incredible initiative, flexi- The success of our recycled water program is built on
bility and intellectual dexterity to innovate and improve collaboration with our water district partners. Together,
treatment and delivery of high-quality recycled water, weve created an award-winning program.
says Mike Thornton, P.E., SEJPA general manager. Also,
we have a visionary board of directors who take a broad CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
view not only of the functional work we do, but of the The water reclamation facility, in Cardiff by the Sea,
greater positive impact we can have on our community. was built in 1965 and operated by San Diego County. As
The SEJPA owns and operates the San Elijo Water flows increased and the Clean Water Act took effect, the
Reclamation Facility. The wastewater system includes plant converted to advanced primary treatment in 1981,

32 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR



The outcome of the process
improvements is better-quality
secondary effluent as measured by
TSS and turbidity, which improves
operational efficiencies in the
recycled water process.
CHRIS TREES, P.E.

Our team is highly motivated and well trained. That results
in exceptional job performance, strong budget controls,
good permit compliance, and an impressive safety record.
MIKE THORNTON, P.E.

The team at the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility includes, front row, from
left: Dale Kreinbring, Mike Thornton, Mike Piper, Carrie Cook, Ravy Chea,
San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility, Scott Best and Chris Trees. Back row: Mike Konicke, Paul Kinkel, Jim Barnett,
Cardiff by the Sea, California Aaron Simonson, Jose Garcia and Mike Henke.
BUILT: | 1965
POPULATION SERVED: | 40,000
EMPLOYEES: | 21 built in 2013, includes a 1.4 mgd microfiltration system (Pall Corporation)
FLOWS: | 5.25 mgd design, 3 mgd average and 0.5 mgd reverse osmosis system (Water Equipment Technologies - a
TREATMENT LEVEL: | Tertiary Xylem Brand) that can be expanded to 1 mgd. The facility operates in par-

|
TREATMENT PROCESS: Water reclamation facility: activated sludge,
allel with the sand filters to produce 3 mgd of recycled water, about the same
sand filtration. Advanced treatment facility: as the average daily wastewater flow.
microfiltration, reverse osmosis Wastewater entering the reclamation plant is treated with bar screens and
RECEIVING WATER: | Pacific Ocean an aerated grit chamber before it flows to the primary sedimentation basins.
BIOSOLIDS: | Dewatered and land-applied
From there, it is sent to equalization basins to attenuate daily peak flows. It
is then sent to conventional activated sludge basins equipped with anaero-
ANNUAL BUDGET: | $6 million (operations and maintenance)
bic selectors before final clarification in rectangular secondary clarifiers.
WEBSITE: | www.sejpa.org
Primary sludge is sent directly to anaerobic digesters; waste activated
GPS COORDINATES: | Latitude: 33049.35N; longitude: 1171625.33W
sludge is first sent to dissolved air flotation thickeners and then to the digest-
ers. The digested material is dewatered with belt presses that regularly achieve
20 percent solids. The dewatered biosolids are trucked to farms in Arizona
increasing capacity from 2 mgd to 2.87 mgd. The facilitys management and for land application. Digester gas is used to heat the digesters.
operations was transferred from the county to SEJPA in 1986. Today, SEJPA serves about 40,000 people over 19 square miles, includ-
In 1992, secondary treatment facilities and other upgrades increased ing the cities of Solana Beach, Encinitas, Del Mar and parts of Rancho Santa
capacity to 5.25 mgd. In 2000, tertiary treatment was constructed, along with Fe. The authority produces some 450 million gallons of recycled water per
17 miles of distribution pipelines, two reservoirs and one booster pump sta- year. The water reclamation facility is permitted to discharge up to 3.02 mgd
tion. The tertiary system included 2.5 mgd of continuously backwashing of tertiary-treated water to recycled water users, and up to 5.25 mgd of sec-
sand filters (Parkson Dynasand) followed by sodium hypochlorite ondary effluent to the Pacific Ocean.
disinfection. The arid San Diego area relies heavily on water imported from the Col-
Recently, the system was upgraded to include an additional steel reser- orado River and Northern California; recycled water helps the community
voir and more distribution pipelines. An advanced water treatment facility, conserve potable water.
(continued)
34 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
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Ravy Chea, SEJPA senior lab
analyst, tests the plants daily
reclaimed water sample.

ADVANCED WATER TREATMENT during meetings with the design team and with representatives of the equip-
The advance water treatment system has greatly improved recycled water ment manufacturers, who also provided on-site training, Trees says. From
quality. Historically, we struggled with high TDS in the recycled water, these meetings, the staff developed standard operating procedures for oper-
partially from local water supplies and partially from water softeners within ation and system cleaning.
the service area, says Trees. Often, TDS ranged from 1,100 to 1,300 mg/L. The SEJPA team worked closely with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants and
Now, our TDS levels are in the 700 to 900 mg/L range. Trussell Technologies on operations improvements to fine-tune the biologi-
System construction went smoothly. Operators reviewed the design cal process. Those included adding an anaerobic selector, enhanced dissolved

HIGHLY DECORATED
The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA) has collected Arredondo goes above and beyond to help make facilities safer
some 40 awards since 2003. Besides the Recycled Water Agency of and better. As a safety committee member, she shared ideas and
the Year Award from WateReuse California in 2016, the authority developed training sessions. Says Trees, She is readily available to
won three 2015 awards from the California Water Environment help the operators with extra lab tests, equipment calibrations and
Association: whatever else is needed to help make their jobs a little easier. She
Operator of the Year Mike Dietrich, lead operator also volunteers time on weekends to staff the authoritys booth at
Laboratory Person of the Year Susie Arredondo, community events, teaching the public about water reclamation
laboratory analyst and conservation.
Electrical/Instrumentation Person of the Year Casey Larsen, Larsen has made big contributions in upgrading facilities, and
SCADA manager planning and designing capital projects. For example, he developed
Says Chris Trees, operations director, During 2015, Mike Dietrich a program to automate the aeration system for the activated sludge
led the operations team into an increasingly complex and demand- process to optimize energy use based on dissolved oxygen set-
ing operations environment. He showed exemplary leadership points. This work was paramount to the overall project, which is
during one of the most dynamic years in our plants history. saving 900,000 kWh each year, says Trees. Larsen also imple-
For example, he performed troubleshooting on the primary mented an energy-savings program for recycled water distribution.
influent and digester ferric addition systems to find the cause of The program controls pump runtimes to minimize operations
unusually high intermittent chemical usage. After reviewing during periods of on-peak energy prices.
treatment process parameters, laboratory data and the chemical Says Mike Thornton, general manager, We have a very
addition system, he found that occasional high storage tank levels passionate and dedicated staff. They choose to be engaged in the
were causing the chemical to be pushed past the peristaltic pump industry and seek high levels of certification. They take great pride
heads and hoses. in the results we produce.

(continued)
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SEJPA Wastewater Treatment Plant
PERMIT AND PERFORMANCE (monthly averages)
Secondary treatment PERMIT EFFLUENT
CBOD 40 mg/L 5.2 mg/L
TSS 45 mg/L 6.5 mg/L
Oil and grease 40 mg/L Non detectable
Settleable solids 1.5 ml/L Non detectable
Turbidity 100 NTU 3.2 NTU

Tertiary treatment PERMIT EFFLUENT


TDS 1,200 mg/L 865 mg/L
Chloride 450 mg/L 242 mg/L
Sulfate 450 mg/L 196 mg/L
Manganese 0.15 mg/L 0.07 mg/L Mike Thornton, SEJPA
general manager
Iron 0.3 mg/L 0.14 mg/L
Boron 0.75 mg/L 0.36 mg/L


As the regulations evolve, there may be
opportunities to pursue in potable reuse.
MIKE THORNTON, P.E.

oxygen control and monitoring, temperature monitoring of the mixed liquor,


and remote monitoring of the waste activated sludge TSS to help optimized
wasting rates.
The outcome of the process improvements is better-quality secondary
effluent as measured by TSS and turbidity, which improves operational effi-
ciencies in the recycled water process, Trees says.
The staff enjoys being part of system upgrades and optimization. After
the process control improvements, they began developing process control
algorithms to automate and optimize the biological process.
From this, they developed mathematical equations that correlated influ-
ent temperature with the optimal solids retention time for maintaining non-
nitrified treatment, which is the lowest-cost treatment, since SEWRF has
ocean-discharge options, says Thornton. From the temperature-SRT cor-
relation and TSS monitoring of the waste activated sludge, Casey Larsen
The water reclamation plant uses a combination of reverse osmosis (SCADA manager) and Trees developed programming logic for automatic
(Water Equipment Technologies - a Xylem Brand), and microfiltration wasting and for process control based on influent temperature.
(Pall Corporation) in processing water from the upscale beach cities of Del Mar, Although the new systems have increased the operators workload, the
Solana Beach and Encinitas. water quality improvements have been worth it: The wastewater treatment

38 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


has been exceptional, and recycled water salinity levels have been signifi- recycled water storage and expand microfiltration capacity. Other capital
cantly reduced, which is a major benefit for our customers who use the water projects in progress include headworks upgrades, anaerobic digester and
for irrigation, says Thornton. Also, the better water quality has allowed us dewatering system improvements, and replacement of multistage centrifu-
to expand the customer base into industrial applications. We now serve two gal blowers with turbo blowers for process air.
cooling towers that previously would not use the recycled water because of Whatever the future brings, Trees is confident the staff will excel: Our
its high mineral content. strength lies in the unity of the group. We work as a team to solve problems
and achieve our goals. Our motto is: We win as a team.
WELL TRAINED
A team of seven operators keeps the water reclamation facility running
smoothly. The plant is staffed 10 hours a day, and an operator is on call out- featured products from:
side those hours. Every operator is certified and trained to operate all the Parkson Corp. Water Equipment Technologies
equipment, says Trees. They are assigned to focus on certain areas with 888/727-5766 - a Xylem Brand
www.parkson.com 800/786-7480
monthly rotations.
unitedstates.xylemappliedwater.com
SEJPA encourages cross-training, as operators often assist in the labora-
PV8021DoMoreManAD_C_Layout 1 8/1/16 6:10 PM Page 1
tory, on facility maintenance projects, and in operating and maintaining
wastewater lift stations. Most operators have at least
one certificate in a secondary field, such as mechani-
cal technologist or laboratory analyst.
Reporting to Thornton are Trees and Paul Kin-
kel, director of finance and administration, who super-
vises Jennie Basco, administrative assistant, and
Carrie Cook, accounting technician. Reporting to
Trees in addition to Larsen are:
Dale Kreinbring, chief plant operator
Mike Dietrich and Todd Hutchinson, lead Are you forced to do more with less?
operators
Aaron Simonson and John Boyle, operator II
So, when do you find time for pump servicing?
Eric ORiley, operator I
Scott Best, operator in training
Mike Konicke, associate engineer
Mike Henke, mechanical supervisor and waste-
water operator
Jose Garcia and Jim Barnett, mechanical
technicians
Ravy Chea, senior laboratory analyst
Susie Arredondo, laboratory analyst PVP Pumps save Time
The greatest challenge is balancing pursuit of and Money. Heres how.
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employees and increase job performance, says Thorn- PVP Double Disc Pumps operate up to 10 times
ton. Our team is highly motivated and well trained. longer and cost up to 70% less to maintain. When
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PVP pumps operate at lower speeds with no sacrifice Cost Advantage
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The authority plans to continue expanding its Our Maintain-in-Place design reduces downtime lobe or progressive cavity
and lowers maintenance costs. pumps? Then you are
recycled water network and customer base by improv-
ing recycled water to suit diverse applications. As Seal-less, gland-less, oil-less design familiar with their repair and
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the regulations evolve, there may be opportunities
Valleys Double Disc Pumps
to pursue in potable reuse, Thornton observes. PVP pumps can run dry indefinitely
employ a non-close
The authority has also experimented with cap- without damage.
tolerance design that
turing urban runoff to protect beaches and lagoons, Fewer moving parts means less need provides for an extremely
and redirecting that water to the sewer system for for repairs or maintenance. long operating life.
treatment and reuse. The collection of runoff and
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tpomag.com March 2017 39


TECH TALK

Rehabilitating Gravity Filters


A DUAL PARALLEL LATERAL CONFIGURATION IN A MEDIA FILTER UNDERDRAIN
OFFERS ADVANTAGES IN EFFECTIVE BACKWASHING AND EFFICIENT FILTRATION

By Thomas M. Getting, P.E., BCEE, and John Geibel, P.E.

G
ranular filter media (effective sizes from 0.5 to 1.5 mm) generally
remove particles larger than 7 to 10 percent of the smallest grains.
Most water treatment applications try to remove color and all solids
greater than 10 to 20 microns. Smaller particles are removed with the help
of coagulating chemicals.
In gravity filters, the conditioned raw water is introduced at the top of a
basin, flows down through the media bed, and is collected by the underd-
rain system (Figure 1). The driving force is the distance from the water level
over the filter to the first air break, which is usually into a clearwell or con-
trol weir.
As solids accumulate in the media, the headloss increases until either the
flow cannot be maintained or solids are driven through the filter. At that point,
backwashing water or a combination of air and water scours the media and
restores the driving force. Backwash effectiveness is measured by the result-
ing media cleanliness and costs of power and water used for backwashing.
Several studies have shown that an
air/water backwash system provides
a cleaner media and uses less backwash
water than alternative methods.

THE DUAL
PARALLEL LATERAL
The dual parallel underdrain
was developed to solve flow distri-
bution problems by providing a pri-
mar y lateral and t wo parallel
secondary compensating laterals
(Figure 2). Control orifices open from
FIGURE 1. In gravity filters, the con- the primary lateral directly into the
ditioned raw water is introduced secondary laterals.
into the top of a basin, flows down Backwash water flows through
through the media bed, and is col- the primary lateral, rises and dis-
lected by the underdrain system. charges through the control orifices
into the secondary compensating lat-
erals. Any unbalanced flow from the primary lateral creates a directly com-
pensating velocity pressure gradient, which puts the secondary lateral into
a uniform hydraulic pressure condition throughout its length. This uniform
pressure services the top-deck dispersion orifices that discharge from the
compensating lateral into the filter box.
FIGURE 2. The top diagram shoes how the secondary, compensating lateral
In a lateral with equal-sized and equal-shaped orifices along its length, interacts with the primary lateral to provide uniform distribution of the
the orifice farthest from the point of admittance delivers the most water. Dis- backwash water and air. The bottom diagram cutaway view shows the
charge variances exist in the primary lateral of the dual parallel lateral under- orifices that distribute backwash water and air between the primary and
drain; the secondary laterals provide balance. secondary laterals that provide the flow to the top deck orifices.

40 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


The dual parallel lateral has been successfully used in thousands
of new and rehabilitated water filter plant installations.

This system provides uniform discharge along the entire length of the
lateral. Dual parallel laterals can be sized up to 50 feet long with a backwash
maldistribution of less than 2 percent. An additional benefit of the dual
parallel lateral is its ability to meter and uniformly distribute air to facili-
tate backwash.
A baffle in the bell end of the secondary laterals ensures that the air and
water metered into each 4-foot section are discharged from that section. With-
out the baffle, the backwash water tends to push the air up and down the lat-
eral, causing pulsations.
When rehabilitating existing filter systems, many factors must be con-
sidered. These include an adequate backwash flow based on the existing
backwash system, configuration of the backwash flume, depth and shape of FIGURE 3. Flat-bottom flume
the filter box, and characteristics of
the proposed media. In the case of
dual media using anthracite and
sand, the usual design backwash flow
rate is 20 gpm per square foot at 70
degrees F.

FLUME ARRANGEMENTS
Flume arrangement has a signif-
icant impact on rehabilitation cost.
The configuration of the backwash
flume is one of the major contribu-
tors of maldistribution in a filter,
along with the underdrain lateral
type and the media.

FRONT FLUME FIGURE 4. Left, demolition of a false-floor underdrain. Right, installation of a dual parallel lateral underdrain.
Figure 1 shows a typical instal-
lation of the dual parallel lateral in
a filter with a front flume. The backwash water enters the flume, travels into CONCLUSION
the dual parallel laterals, is dispersed up into the media, and finally is col- The dual parallel lateral has been successfully used in thousands of new
lected by washwater troughs. The air header piping in the flume uses J-risers and rehabilitated water filter plant installations. The compensating second-
to distribute the air to each dual parallel lateral. The air risers J shape is ary lateral has demonstrated excellent backwash characteristics versus other
used to flush any water that accumulates in the bottom of the air header types of single-pass underdrain systems. The closely spaced orifices of the
piping as the air fills the header. dual parallel lateral improve distribution of backwash air and water, provid-
ing better filter media cleaning.
FLAT-BOTTOM FLUME The dual parallel lateral can be easily used to rehabilitate existing filter
The flat-bottom flume (Figure 3) is ideal for replacing existing plenum under- boxes. A low-profile block coupled with gravelless support plates enables
drains with an end feed inlet configuration. This design improves maldistri- designers to provide more filter depth and improve operating performance,
bution characteristics while allowing for deeper, more efficient media beds. while meeting ever more stringent regulatory requirements.
Other flume designs are available for rehabilitation, depending on the
existing infrastructure design. Figure 4 shows the arrangement used to reha- ABOUT THE AUTHORS
bilitate a false-floor underdrain system. The old floor is removed and the Thomas M. Getting, P.E., BCEE, is principal engineer - filtration; and John
dual parallel lateral underdrain is placed directly on the floor. The water Geibel, P.E., is senior product engineer - filtration; both with Xylem.
enters the new underdrain layout at the end of the lateral and air is being
added using drop pipes mounted on the filter wall. References:
The configuration of the filter box in a filter rehabilitation influences Amirtharajah, A.; McNeily, N.; Page, G.; and McLeod, J. Optimum Back-
decisions such as lateral length, flume and underdrain configuration, media wash of Dual Media Filters and GAC Filter-Adsorbers With Air Scour. Ameri-
depth and selection, and backwash air delivery methods. The designer must can Water Works Research Foundation, 1991.
fit the backwash flume, the underdrain, the media support, the media, and Kleiner, M.; Snoeyink, V.; Horsley M.; Mayhugh, J.; and Cummings, C.
sufficient freeboard to the backwash outlet to prevent media loss. Comparison of Filter Backwash Using Air Scour and Surface Wash at Decatur
Another method of adding media depth or increasing freeboard into an Illinois. Report, August 1989.
existing filter box is the use of a gravelless support plate instead of graded Beverly, P., and Morando, T. Filtration Training Manual. F.B. Leopold Co.,
gravel. Media, such as sand, anthracite or granular activated carbon, can be 1997.
placed directly onto the surface of the plate. This has the added benefit of
eliminating gravel disruption and simplifies media change-out, such as for
granular activated carbon reactivation.

tpomag.com March 2017 41


top performer
wastewater: OPERATOR

John Adie loves being able to get outside


and operate the plant in addition to
handling the desk-bound side of things.

John Adie, Concord, New Hampshire


POSITION: |Plant operations supervisor
EXPERIENCE: | 27 years in the industry
CERTIFICATION: | Grade IV Wastewater Operator

|
EDUCATION: Associate degree, earth science, Northern Essex
Community College

|
MEMBERSHIPS: New Hampshire Water Pollution Control
Association, NEWEA, WEF

|
GOALS: Retire to a lake house and enjoy what the profession
has done to preserve water quality

42 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


ON TO NEW

CHALLENGES
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN NASHUA,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, JOHN ADIE BRINGS HIS EXPERIENCE TO TWO MORE CLEAN-WATER FACILITIES
STORY: Doug Day | PHOTOGRAPHY: Oliver Parini

AFTER WINNING A PRESTIGIOUS Less than three years later, though, things
AWARD FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS werent looking so bright. A lot of the plating
to the industry, John Adie retired from a 25-year industries were going overseas, and there was a
career at the wastewater treatment facility in rumor that we would be closing shop, Adie says.
Nashua, New Hampshire. My next-door neighbor worked in human resources
But instead of transitioning to a life of fish- at Nashua. She told me there would be an open-
ing or golf, Adie chose to spend his retirement ing at the wastewater treatment facility. I toured
supervising two other plants with technologies the plant, did an interview and got the job. A cou-
that are new to him. ple of years later, the circuit board company closed
Adie received the 2015 William D. Hatfield its doors.
Award from the New England Water Environ-
ment Association. At the time, he was operations GAINING RESPONSIBILITY
supervisor at the Nashua plant. He is past presi- The Nashua Wastewater Treatment Facility
dent of the New Hampshire Water Environment is fed by a combined sewer system and has a design
Association. flow of 16 mgd, an average flow of 11 mgd, and a
Ive been involved with NHWEA for more peak wet-weather flow of 110 mgd. After starting
than 10 years in different committees, and then as an operator in training in 1989, he moved
25 years at Nashua working from operator in train- steadily up the ranks.
ing up to a supervisory position and being involved He became a Grade IV operator 11 years ago.
in multiple upgrades at the plant, Adie says. He We dont do the ABC [Association of Boards of
is now plant operations supervisor for the two Certification] test, he says. Its a test developed
clean-water facilities in nearby Concord, New by engineers at the state Department of Environ-
Hampshire. mental Services, so its more an engineering test
than a knowledge test.
INTEREST IN ENVIRONMENT He has also taken certifications over the years
As a youngster, Adie and a good friend were in management and supervisory skills, and in
interested in careers as forest rangers. I always building and repairing computers. He kept upgrad-
did a lot of hiking, biking and camping and was ing his license and knowledge because he always
interested in preserving the environment, Adie John Adie, operations supervisor wanted to be in management, and he continues
says. His friend became a genetics engineer. studying today. He left Nashua in 2000 to go back
Adie earned an associate degree in earth sci- to Boston University for Computing Technology
ence from Northern Essex Community College and was working on a chem- Industry Association A+ certification and to earn a certificate in computer
istry degree at Salem State University. A job opened up at a printed circuit network administration: I was dabbling in it but really started to like it.
board company that included dealing with wastewater. His background fit He remembers telling Rick Seymour, plant superintendent and his boss,
the job, so he took it, leaving school. that he was changing careers: He sits me down and says, Johnny, does your

tpomag.com March 2017 43


back and do SCADA work for them, Adie says. They were really going to
start ramping up the SCADA system and needed someone with networking
knowledge. So things worked out for me. Im a pretty lucky guy.
As far as Seymours reaction upon Adies return: He didnt say much.
Welcome back was probably all he said, but with a big grin on his face.
John Adie likes the challenge Adie was lead operator when the plant became the only one in the state to
of operating facilities with install an egg-shaped anaerobic digester. That $23 million project took two
technologies new to him.
years, and the biogas generated provides about a third of the plants electric-
ity. It also reduced our biosolids by more than 50 percent, so we had a cost
savings, and it helped with odors around the plant because everything is self-
contained, Adie says.
That was the most challenging project he has faced in his career. Learn-
ing that process was totally different, he says. It took us a long time to fig-
ure out how to run the digester. It was a big learning curve, but we had good
guidance from the engineers at CB&I, who built the facility. As lead opera-
tor, he worked with the engineers, made sure all the operators understood
the equipment, and integrated it with the SCADA system.

TREATING HIGH FLOWS


Adie was operations supervisor in 2009 when the plant added a $37 mil-
lion, 60 mgd wet-weather treatment facility to help reduce combined sewer
overflows (CSOs). The main challenges were keeping track of the contrac-
tors, attending the engineering meetings, making sure the construction didnt
inhibit the plant processes, and seeing that everyone was working together
getting over any hurdles, he says. At the time, the project had the most
concrete ever poured in the Northeast. We had concrete trucks coming in
for weeks.
The two-year project increased the plants peak capacity from 50 mgd to
110 mgd. When the inflow level gets high enough, there is a weir that splits
the flow to the wet-weather facility, Adie says. It has an ACTIFLO system
(Veolia Water Solutions & Technol-
ogies North America) that adds mic-


rosand and polymer to the water and
It took us a long drops out the solids. With the bal-
time to figure lasted floc, we have a clear effluent
going into the chlorine contact
out how to run the chamber.
The city has spent nearly $70
digester. It was a big million to minimize CSOs, includ-
learning curve, but we ing a $12 million automated under-
ground combined sewage screening
had good guidance from and disinfection facility built in
December 2014. That gravity-fed
the engineers at CB&I, system includes a 1-million-gallon
who built the facility. holding tank that stores the overflow
JOHN ADIE
for later treatment and provides par-
tial treatment to amounts over 1 mil-
lion gallons to reduce the impact of
CSOs. Eliminating overflows with such engineered solutions will cost more
than $100 million, while separating all combined sewers would cost about
$250 million.
Just before Adie left Nashua, the plant spent $4.16 million to replace
three 25-year-old blowers with energy-efficient 200 hp Turblex blowers (Evo-
qua Water Technologies) and upgrade the secondary clarifiers.

ANOTHER NEW PATH


Shortly after receiving the Hatfield Award in 2015, Adie qualified for his
wife know about this? He wrote me a nice letter of recommendation and full retirement pension at Nashua and decided to move on. He took the job
wished me luck. I thought I was going to get a job in the field, but then 9/11 in Concord in February 2016 and oversees the 10.1 mgd Hall Street and the
happened, and the whole bottom fell out of the industry. 1.25 mgd Penacook wastewater treatment plants.
The Hall Street facility is a conventional activated sludge plant with a
BACK TO NASHUA bioreactor that includes a trickling filter to handle BOD. It also treats 5 mil-
So, about 12 months after he left Nashua, he was looking for a new job. lion gallons of landfill leachate and 2 million gallons of septage per year.
With my networking skills, Nashua called and asked if I wanted to come Penacook is a sequencing batch reactor plant, converted from conventional

44 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR



Thats probably
the best thing
about working in this
field. The principles
pretty much stay the
same. You apply them
differently to get the
same result.
JOHN ADIE

activated sludge when a local tan-


nery closed in 1987. The former pri-
mary clarifier and aeration tank are
now used for storage during wet-
weather flows.
Adie welcomes the chance to
work with processes new to him.
Thats probably the best thing about
working in this field, he says. The
principles pretty much stay the same.
The Hall Street Wastewater Treatment Plant team in Concord includes, from left, Kristin Noel, Dan Driscoll,
You apply them differently to get the
Joe Mulleavey, Bob Sleis, Dan Broudeur, John Adie and Rick Tibbits.
same result.
The management skills he learned
at Nashua have helped him embrace new tasks, such as issuing requests for operator, and not a lot of people get that, he says. If they put me behind a
proposals. Project management is important now because plants around desk totally, Id have to really think about doing it. I still like getting out and
the country are going through facelifts, he says. Our next one in Concord involved in the process, flipping switches, trying new things. Im happy with
is a solids dewatering project and were looking at adding digestion in the that. I wouldnt give it up for anything.
near future. Both plants are planning major SCADA upgrades, too.
Adie considers himself fortunate because his previous and current jobs
allowed him work in the plant even though he had a desk job. That keeps featured products from:
things fresh and lets him to stay involved in operating plant equipment.
CB&I Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
In Concord, he is on call one week in every five. That includes doing 832/513-1000 www.evoqua.com
rounds on weekends, when the plant is unmanned. So I still get to be an www.cbi.com

MORE THAN JUST GAMES


John Adie has been building his own computers since he was a in my life, because you could actually buy programs for it instead
kid. He does it now to feed his addiction to computer gaming, of typing them in, and you could play games with it.
mainly first-person shooting adventures and a few strategy games: Guinness World Records lists the Commodore as the highest-
Just because its fun. selling computer model of all time. Some 20 million were sold,
His gaming dates to 1995, when his family got its first desktop many still in use with a resurgence in retro computer games. It was
computer and he discovered Doom, the game that introduced the most powerful computer of its time in 1982, and cheaper than
the first-person shooter genre and helped lead development of 3-D its competitors. It introduced online gaming in 1988 with the game
graphics, multiplayer gaming and customized software and Habitat, which stored graphics on a floppy disk to overcome the
hardware packages. limitations of the modems of the day.
Adie spends a couple of hours a night gaming. While my wife As interest in home computers grew, high schools added
[Anjanette] is watching her reality shows, Ill be on the computer. computing to their curricula. Adie learned the current programming
Fifty-two years old and I havent grown up yet, he says. His interest languages: BASIC, COBOL (the first English-like computer language),
in computers and electronics predates his gaming; it was a hobby and FORTRAN (scientific and math language). That set him up well
he shared with his dad, Les. to continue learning through the years. Little did he know that his
We were building stereos and computers way back when you interest would become an important part of his work resume as
could buy the kits at Radio Shack, he says. Then we got the computers became integral to the wastewater treatment industry.
Commodore 64 and I thought that was the best thing Id ever seen

tpomag.com March 2017 45


SUSTAINABLE
OPERATIONS

Energy Insights
AN ENERGY AUDIT POINTS THE WAY TO MAJOR SAVINGS IN AERATION AND A HOST
OF FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CLEAN-WATER PLANT IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO

By Doug Day

E
nergy conservation is part of the planning process for the city of
Stratford, Ontario. With the wastewater treatment plant consuming
more than 20 percent of the citys total energy, it made sense to target
that facility.
A free energy assessment conducted by Festival Hydro and the plant
operator, Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), showed that more than 60
percent of the 5.7 mgd plants energy went to aeration through 1,600 fine-
bubble diffusers.

PRECISE AERATION
The operations team started there. We replaced two fixed-speed 200 hp
centrifugal blowers with a single 350 hp high-efficiency turbo air blower from
APG-Neuros with a built-in variable-frequency drive, says Indra Maharjan,
program manager for energy conservation and climate change with OCWA.
The old blowers always operated at full output and often over-aerated.
This caused dissolved oxygen to be 5 to 10 mg/L, when it should have been
2 to 3 mg/L. We were using more air and energy than required, and the over-
aeration also caused problems with shearing of the floc, which made the sec-
ondary clarifiers less efficient. A single 350 hp high-efficiency turbo blower (APG-Neuros) now does the job
Incentives of $75,200 from Ontarios Save on Energy conservation pro- of two fixed-speed 200 hp blowers and saves about $56,400 a year.
gram helped fund the $350,000 project. The city expects a return on invest-
ment of nearly 700 percent over the 20-year life of the aeration system some

$1.2 million in savings.


We were using more air and energy than Since the equipment went into service in March 2014, the plant has seen
required, and the over-aeration also caused better secondary clarifier performance and uses 30 percent less energy for
aeration, saving $56,400 per year on electricity. The savings can help fund
problems with shearing of the floc, which made future improvements.

the secondary clarifiers less efficient. MUCH MORE TO COME


INDRA MAHARJAN The energy audit was valuable in identifying energy saving opportuni-
ties and in helping set priorities. Aeration was the largest, easiest and most
Others, 16% obvious target. Now we have other operational changes and process opti-
Screw mization we need to do in coming years, says Maharjan. Stratford is a
Pumps, medium-sized municipality so theres always a lack of resources. The proj-
11% Aeration, 45% ects will be spread out over multiple years.
The audit suggested several other upgrades that could improve energy
efficiency, all eligible for Save on Energy incentives. Projects include right-
Sludge sizing pumps, upgrading to high-efficiency motors, and installing VFD con-
Pump, RAS, 19% trols on other systems, including pump stations, influent pumps, deep well
9% lift pumps, screw pumps, sludge pumps and return activated sludge pumps.
The citys engineering group is pleased to continue to be part of the Save
on Energy program, recognizing the opportunities to upgrade equipment, use
less energy and provide more long-term, efficient operations to the city and
More than 60 percent of the Stratford treatment plants electrical demand its residents, says Mike Mortimer, manager of Environmental Services.
was for aeration before the system was upgraded to reduce energy use by The future projects are expected to have payback periods from two to
30 percent. The chart above shows the current allocation of energy demand. seven years and provide an additional $60,000 in annual energy savings.

46 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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When Funds Are Scarce


OPERATORS IN SMALL COMMUNITIES OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES WITH MANY MORE NEEDS
THAN AVAILABLE FUNDS CAN MEET. HERE IS A PERSPECTIVE FROM AN OPERATOR IN THAT POSITION.

By Ted J. Rulseh

I
ts a common tale. A small communitys clean-water plant is aging. The
operators know its time to modernize or upgrade. They know what
needs to be done, and community decision-makers do, too, but its hard
to find the money to do the work.
James (Jay) Irwin, chief operator of the village of Sherman (New York)
Wastewater Treatment Plant, finds himself in that position. The community
of 730 residents, about an hour west of Buffalo, needs to replace or signifi-
cantly improve its 140,000 gpd (design) plant, commissioned in 1978 and
never upgraded. Unfortunately, the estimated cost of $4.2 million is more
than the plants roughly 300 customers could support through higher rates.
Irwin, with the full support of the mayor and four village trustees, is
casting about for state or federal funding assistance, so far without success.
Meanwhile, despite badly deteriorating plant infrastructure, he and Josh
Courtney, assistant operator, consistently meet BOD limits (30 mg/L winter
10 mg/L summer), and TSS limits (30 mg/L winter 5 mg/L summer).
They achieve more than 99 percent BOD and TSS removal.
Ironically, that excellent performance makes it more difficult for the
plant to receive funding from the states Environmental Funding Corpora-
tion. Irwin described the villages predicament and his approach to excel- James (Jay) Irwin, chief operator of the village of Sherman (New York)
Wastewater Treatment Plant
lence in operation in an interview with Treatment Plant Operator.

: What is your background in the clean-water profession? Theyre circular tanks with an aeration zone, a contact stabilization zone, a
Irwin: My family moved to Sherman when I was 13. I grew up and digester, and a stilling well in the middle.
graduated from high school here. I went to community college for two years, The plant originally had microscreen tertiary treatment, but that was
got a criminal justice degree, and worked as a police officer for about four used for only about two years. About five years ago I converted those tanks
to provide additional settling before the flow goes to

the chlorine contact tanks. From there the effluent goes


Eventually its going to affect our effluent quality. We can into a post-aeration tank, where we have fine-bubble
diffusers. We discharge to French Creek.
only do so much with what we have. If our tanks fall apart,
we wont be able to run our process properly. : What issues are you having with the plant
JAMES IRWIN infrastructure?
Irwin: The plant is pushing 40 years old. On our
years. Then the chief operator here, Paul Fisher, was looking for his replace- second process tank, the steel is badly deteriorated. All the concrete is fall-
ment. He hired me, and Ive been here since. New York offers a two-week ing apart. Weve repaired what we can, but you cant really ever fix that with-
basic operations course, a one-week activated sludge course and a one-week out redoing the whole thing. Our thickener fell apart with the harsh winters
laboratory course. I took them, passed the states 1A and 2A exams, and got we have in this area; now we just use it for holding supernatant. The concrete
my 2A operator license. around the chlorine contact and post-aeration tanks has been repaired numer-
ous times.
: Can you describe the plants basic treatment process?
Irwin: The collections system flows by gravity to a wet well. A pump : What about the condition of the process equipment?
station then lifts the wastewater to the head of the plant. After a comminu- Irwin: We have a bar screen, but its not effective. We clean it manually
tor it enters the process tanks. We have two tanks but only run one of them. about once a week. The comminutor doesnt do a very good job. We have

48 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


major grease and solids problems. Were always pulling something out of the the flow gets treated quickly. Because its highly diluted, we dont need as
tanks and getting plugged air lines. Our influent pumps are getting older. much detention time to process it properly. Then we use the two former ter-
They dont handle the solids very well, and they plug up quite often. The tiary tanks to allow more time for solids to settle out. You could almost call
pumps are in a small steel room about 20 feet underground that is rusting them polishing tanks.
pretty heavily. Were down there once if not twice a month putting one out
of service to clean and declog it. : What does the future look like in terms of your permit? Will per-
mit changes make an upgrade even more necessary?
: What makes it difficult to accomplish the upgrades you know are Irwin: We may soon have to get down to a lower chlorine residual. That
necessary? will be hard to do without dechlorination or going to UV. Our ammonia limit
Irwin: Our budget doesnt allow for any kind of heavy funding. In recent is going to change. We will have to meet a limit year-round instead of just in
years weve had to borrow money out of the general fund for the things we summer the way we do now. Well have trouble meeting the limit in winter
need the normal lab work and our regular bills. We raised our rates in the because of the way the process works. We might have to consider chemical
last budget year by 50 cents per 1,000 cubic feet, so were getting on top of addition or adding another tank.
things, but we definitely dont have a reserve.


: What sources of funding are you exploring? We do the same job every wastewater department is
Irwin: There is funding from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture Rural Development program, and Im
doing, only with less money. I think that should be taken
working on applying for that. We could potentially get into consideration under these funding point systems.
all the money we need, but it depends on how much JAMES IRWIN
money is available. There are loans, or grants if we can
qualify, but the amount available is limited. : Are your community leaders on board with the need to invest in
the facility?
: Have you explored any other avenues for funding? Irwin: They are definitely in favor, but weve got to find the money to
Irwin: We could have received a loan through the New York State Envi- do it. Ive had a couple of village board members in for a visit. I showed them
ronmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), but the interest rate was 2 percent, whats going on, and they fully understand the situation were in.
and we cant afford to borrow the full amount at that rate. We would need to
have grant money as part of the package, and we didnt qualify for a grant. : In your opinion, what should be done to help small plants like
yours?
: Why didnt your facility qualify for a grant? Irwin: I favor merging systems where possible. We have a couple of cases
Irwin: They have a point system, and we came in below the line. That in our county where towns have gone together to form sewer districts. Our
was because of the high quality of our effluent. They said that because of our neighboring town has a lake with more than 600 properties and no sewer
effluent and the quality of work we do, it doesnt matter what our infrastruc- system. I proposed upgrading this plant and having their sewage pumped
ture looks like. They said they understand thats a flaw in the system, but and treated here. Then we could share the costs and make it cheaper for
theres nothing they can do about it. Essentially, we would have to fail our everybody in the long run. I had an engineering report done to compare what
permit to qualify for higher grant funding. it would cost for them to build their own system versus coming to us. They
decided to go on their own.
: What will happen if your infrastructure and equipment continue
to deteriorate? : What can be done to help small facilities where combining sys-
Irwin: Eventually its going to affect our effluent quality. We can only tems isnt possible?
do so much with what we have. If our tanks fall apart, we wont be able to Irwin: The EFC lists who is receiving money and who has received the
run our process properly. Right now we cant even put our second process 0 percent hardship loans and grants. A lot of those places are big plants treat-
tank in service while we repair the first tank. Its been suggested that we put ing millions of gallons a day, while little plants like ours that are more in
in a holding tank, but we dont have enough property to do that. Were land- need arent getting anything. We go above and beyond to make sure we meet
locked by the creek and by a farm right next to us. our permit. We do the same job every wastewater department is doing, only
with less money. I think that should be taken into consideration under these
: How do you produce such good effluent with so little in terms of funding point systems. We manage, but with what we have and where were
resources? heading, were not going to be able to manage forever.
Irwin: Its experience. Ill have 10 years in June. Ive been chief opera-
tor for six years. I had a great mentor in Paul Fisher, my predecessor. He was
a really good operator.

: What are you doing day to day to keep the plant on an even keel?
Every day is Earth Day.

Irwin: We keep very close track of our mixed liquor suspended solids Were met with a new challenge each day.
and our sludge volume index. We watch them daily, and we have the process Whether its the sewer or water department ...
fine-tuned so that we know what we need to do and when to clean the tanks. we take our jobs very seriously, and
We have an extended aeration process, and we have the ability to introduce Jeff Chartier
the key thing is knowing that were in An Original Environmentalist
influent to our tank at different positions, depending on our flow.
compliance and not polluting our waters. SUPERINTENDENT
Town of Bristol (N.H.) Sewer
and Water Department
: How do you respond to changes in flow?
Irwin: We dont have combined sewers, but we get a lot of I&I, so we see Read about original environmentalists like Jeff
each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
high flows from heavy rains or from snowmelt in spring. Were able to short-
circuit the system to move those heavy flows through without affecting our
FREE subscription at www.tpomag.com
process. We move our influent port into the contact stablilization zone, so

tpomag.com March 2017 49


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TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

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50 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


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Pu
m
Vib p Al
rat ignm
ion e
nt /

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

Pu
mp
Co
n tr
ols
Pu
m

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

C o p Pa
mp r t s
on /
en
ts
Pu

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

mp
S e Re
r v i pa
ce ir/

YES
YES

Ro
t ar
yL
ob
e

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

So
lid
s/ Slu
d ge

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

Su
bm
er s
ibl
e
Ve
r

YES
YES

Lif tical
tS /
tat
ion

O th
er
Vacuum

tpomag.com March 2017


51
(continued)
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/
2017

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gal
TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

r ew d e

gm

Su
ll
l

We
ica

B y a t er
Sc hime

er/
ifu

hr a

nt
pe

ss
COMPANY
COMPANY

ue
em

nd
n tr

ep
op

p
A rc

Dia

Ef fl

Gr i
De

De
Ce

Ch

Ch
Pumps DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
Komline-Sanderson
12 Holland Ave., Peapack, NJ 07977
800-225-5457 908-234-1000 Fax: 908-234-9487 YES
See ad page 70 info@komline.com www.komline.com

KSB, Inc.
4415 Sarellen Rd., Henrico, VA 23231
804-222-1818 Fax: 804-226-6961 YES YES YES
sales@ksbusa.com www.ksbusa.com

Lakeside Equipment Corporation


1022 E Devon Ave., Bartlett, IL 60103
630-837-5640 Fax: 630-837-5647 YES
sales@lakeside-equipment.com
www.lakeside-equipment.com

LMI Pumps
201 Ivyland Rd., Ivyland, PA 18974
800-564-1097 215-293-0401 Fax: 215-293-0445
YES YES
lmi@precisionflowsystemsleads.com www.lmipumps.com

Lutz-JESCO America Corp.


55 Bermar Park, Rochester, NY 14624
800-554-2762 585-426-0990 Fax: 585-426-4025
YES YES YES
mail@jescoamerica.com www.lutzjescoamerica.com

Met-Pro Global Pump Solutions


700 Emlem Way, Telford, PA 18969
800-392-7621 215-712-8155 Fax: 215-723-2197
YES YES YES
info@mp-gps.com www.mp-gps.com

Milton Roy
201 Ivyland Rd., Ivyland, PA 18974
877-786-7298 215-441-0800 Fax: 215-441-8620 YES YES
miltonroy@precisionflowsystemsleads.com
www.miltonroy.com

NOV
10353 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77042
832-424-7300
YES YES
See ad page 27 industrial@nov.com www.nov.com/industrial

Penn Valley Pump Co., Inc.


998 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA 18976
800-311-3311 215-343-8750 Fax: 215-343-8753
YES YES
See ad page 39 info@pennvalleypump.com www.pennvalleypump.com

Philadelphia Gear - A Timken Brand


901 E 8th Ave., Ste. 100, King of Prussia, PA 19406
800-766-5120 610-265-3000 Fax: 610-337-5637
info@philagear.com www.philagear.com

PRIMEX
PO Box 1708, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
844-477-4639 218-847-1317
info@primexcontrols.com www.primexcontrols.com

Proco Products, Inc.


2431 N Wigwam Dr., Stockton, CA 95205
800-344-3246 209-943-6088 Fax: 209-943-0242
See ad page 65 sales@procoproducts.com www.procoproducts.com

ProMinent Fluid Controls, Inc.


136 Industry Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15275
412-787-2484 Fax: 412-787-0704
YES YES
sales@prominent.us www.prominent.us

Pulsafeeder, Inc.
27101 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33982
800-333-6677 941-575-3800 Fax: 941-575-4085
YES YES
ppgsposales@idexcorp.com www.pulsatron.com

52 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Hig
h Pre
s su
re

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Me
t er
ing

YES
YES
YES
Pe
r is
tal
tic

YES
YES

YES
YES
P is
t on
/ Pl
un
ge
r
Pro

YES
YES
YES
Ca gress
vity ive

Pu
m

YES
YES
Vib p Al
rat ignm
ion e
nt /

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

YES
Pu
mp
Co
n tr
ols
Pu
m

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

YES
YES
YES
YES
C o p Pa
mp r t s
on /
en
ts
Pu

YES
YES
YES
YES

YES
YES
mp
S e Re
r v i pa
ce ir/

Ro
t ar
yL
ob
e

YES
YES
YES

So
lid
s/ Slu
d ge
YES

YES

Su
bm
er s
ibl
e
Ve
r
YES

YES

Lif tical
tS /
tat
ion

O th
Dry Pit

er

tpomag.com March 2017


53
(continued)
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/
2017

pa ing
gal
TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

r ew d e

gm

Su
ll
l

We
ica

B y a t er
Sc hime

er/
ifu

hr a

nt
pe

ss
COMPANY
COMPANY

ue
em

nd
n tr

ep
op

p
A rc

Dia

Ef fl

Gr i
De

De
Ce

Ch

Ch
Pumps DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
Red Valve Co. / Tideflex Technologies
600 N Bell Ave., Carnegie, PA 15106
412-279-0044 Fax: 412-279-7878
YES YES YES YES YES
See ad page 17 valves@redvalve.com www.redvalve.com

ROBUSCHI USA
1813 Associates Ln., Ste. E, Charlotte, NC 28217
877-424-1020 704-424-1018 Fax: 704-424-1019
YES
See ad page 7 sales@robuschiusa.com www.robuschiusa.com

ScreenCo Systems
13235 Spur Rd., Genesee, ID 83832
208-790-8770
See ad page 70
sales@screencosystems.com www.screencosystems.com

SEEPEX Inc.
511 Speedway Dr., Enon, OH 45323
937-864-7150
YES YES YES YES
See ad page 57 sales.us@seepex.com www.seepex.com

Sensaphone
901 Tryens Rd., Aston, PA 19014
877-373-2700
sales@sensaphone.com www.sensaphone.com

Smith & Loveless, Inc.


14040 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa, KS 66215
800-898-9122 913-888-5201 Fax: 913-888-2173 YES YES YES
answers@smithandloveless.com
www.smithandloveless.com

Sulzer Pumps Solutions, Inc.


140 Pond View Dr., Meriden, CT 06450
800-525-7790 203-238-2700 Fax: 203-238-0738
YES YES YES YES YES YES
info.abs.usa@sulzer.com www.sulzer.com

Sunbelt Rentals
2341 Deerfield Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29715
800-736-2504
YES YES YES YES
See ad page 47 www.sunbeltrentals.com

Vaughan Company, Inc.


364 Monte-Elma Rd., Montesano, WA 98563
888-249-2467 360-249-4042 Fax: 360-249-6155
YES YES
See ad page 71
info@chopperpumps.com www.chopperpumps.com

Verder, Inc.
312 Corporate Pkwy. Ste. 101, Macon, GA 31210
877-476-3569 Fax: 877-471-3569
YES YES YES
See ad page 31 sales@verder-us.com www.verder-us.com

Vertiflo Pump Company


7807 Redsky Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45249
513-530-0888 Fax: 513-530-0893
YES YES YES YES
sales@vertiflopump.com www.vertiflopump.com

Wastecorp Pumps
PO Box 70, Grand Island, NY 14072
888-829-2783 201-445-2882 Fax: 888-883-3320
YES YES YES YES YES
See ad page 65 info@wastecorp.com www.wastecorp.com

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group


37 Upton Technology Park Rd., Wilmington, MA 01887
800-282-8823 978-658-6168 Fax: 978-658-0041
YES
See ad page 21 support@wmpg.us www.watson-marlow.com

Weir Specialty Pumps (WEMCO)


440 West 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
800-716-5050 801-359-8731
YES YES YES YES YES
See ad page 63 wsp@mail.weir www.global.weir

54 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


nt /
r

ols
ge
re

ge
ion e

ce ir/
rat ignm

e
ts
on /
s su

e
un

n tr

d
vity ive

mp r t s

ibl
r v i pa

ion
ob
tic

en

Slu
/ Pl
ing

er s
Co

C o p Pa

S e Re

tS /
Ca gress
Pre

yL
Vib p Al

Lif tical
tal

tat
s/
t on
t er

mp

mp

bm

er
t ar
r is

lid
h

m
m

O th
Hig

Pro

r
Me

P is

Pu

Pu

Pu

So
Ro
Pe

Su
Pu

Ve
YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES

Chemical Metering
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Systems

Remote Monitoring
Systems

YES YES YES YES YES Grit

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES Stormwater

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES

YES YES YES Self-Priming

tpomag.com March 2017 55


TECHNOLOGY
DEEP DIVE

1
1. The Grit & Grease system has an aerated grit settling channel
and a parallel channel where grease floats and is skimmed off.
2. The mechanical drive systems have direct-drive gearboxes
to help reduce the time and resources needed for maintenance.

Double Duty
A TWO-IN-ONE UNIT FROM SCHREIBER REMOVES GRIT AND GREASE FROM WASTEWATER
STREAMS IN PARALLEL CHANNELS, HELPING TO PROTECT DOWNSTREAM PROCESSES

By Ted J. Rulseh

G
rit in wastewater is a well-known nuisance that if not efficiently removed
Organics are often bound up with the grit.
can damage downstream process equipment and cause maintenance
headaches. The turbulence, the roll that we create with
But grease can cause its own set of issues, such as by forming grease balls
in aeration basins and clarifiers that have to be removed manually. A tech- aeration, helps slough off the organic material
nology from Schreiber is designed to remove both grit and grease in adjoin-
ing channels.
from the grit and keep it in suspension.
LARRY WILLINGHAM
The Grit & Grease system has an aerated channel where grit settles to
the bottom and is pumped out, along with a parallel channel where grease
floats to the surface and is skimmed off. Improvements to the system have a traveling bridge carrying a pump for removing grit that accumulates in
enhanced reliability, reduced maintenance, and simplified programming of the bottom trough. Our system differs from a conventional aerated grit cham-
operations to adapt to specific treatment plant flows and grit characteristics. ber using a length-width ratio of 8-to-1 to 10-to-1, versus conventional units
Larry Willingham, director of sales processes, talked about the technol- with a ratio of about 5-to-1. It has the typical design parameter of a three- to
ogy in an interview with Treatment Plant Operator. five-minute detention time, but the greater length means more opportunity
to accumulate the grit on the floor of the basin.
: What market need drove development of this technology?
Willingham: Grit is a nuisance component of wastewater that can : Is the footprint about the same as for a conventional aerated
cause abrasive wear on mechanical equipment. A combination of grit and grit basin?
grease becomes even more abrasive. Getting those components out early in Willingham: Its narrower than a conventional chamber but also lon-
the process benefits the operation and maintenance of a facility throughout ger, and so the overall area is about the same.
its service life. A combined removal system is very beneficial. You get both
materials out, as opposed to neglecting the grease. : What is the advantage of a grit channel that is aerated?
Willingham: Coarse-bubble diffusers run the length of the channel.
: How does this system remove the grit efficiently? We aerate very heavily at the influent end where the heaviest grit settles out.
Willingham: The primary component is an aerated grit chamber with Organics are often bound up with the grit. The turbulence, the roll that we

56 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


PROVEN
RELIABILITY
BN RANGE
CONVEYING CAPACITY
UP TO 2,200 USGPM

PRESSURE
Our BN range progressive cavity pumps are used ADDITIONAL BENEFITS UP TO 720 PSI
in many industries and applications, moving Minimal pulsation, uniform flow
thin to highly viscous liquids and materials, High self-priming capabilities
with or without solids.
Mounted either horizontally or vertically
Large entrance ports for solids handling
Because of their plug-in shaft connection,
they also simplify the replacement of rotating Low shear rates
wearing parts and the shaft sealing. Reversible SEEPEX Inc.
rotation and fluid flow is also available, which Contact us to purchase your pump with sales.us@seepex.com
improves the NPSHr and sealing. economical operation. T +1 937 864-7150
www.seepex.com

FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX

create with aeration, helps slough off the organic material from the grit and nel. There it enters a screw conveyor that runs continuously and rotates very
keep it in suspension. As the flow travels down the channel, we reduce the slowly, removing and dewatering the grease. Since the screw conveyor sits at
agitation so that the finer grit particles can settle out. The system is adapt- an angle of about 20 degrees, the water drains back down into the structure,
able to a wide range of flows without deterioration of grit removal because it and we end up with relatively dry grease balls about an inch to an inch-and-
controls the aeration and agitation independent of the hydraulic flow. a-half in diameter. The material is very easy to dispose of at a landfill because
most of the water has been removed. The volume is reduced tremendously.
: How is the grit that settles removed from the system?
Willingham: A grit pump mounted to a traveling bridge lifts the col- : What are some of the latest upgrades to this technology?
lected grit to an elevated trough to transfer the grit slurry to a classifier for Willingham: The mechanical drive systems have improved with direct-
further washing and dewatering. drive gearboxes. This and other modifications have reduced the time and resources
needed to maintain and service the equipment. And a new bridge arrangement
: How does the system remove grease along with the grit? makes it much easier to access and retrieve the grit pump for servicing.
Willingham: There are two


separate linear channels. One is a
deep channel where we settle the The skimming system directs air or water onto the surface and transports
grit. Next to that a divider baffle wall
protrudes just below the water sur- the floating grease and scum to the far end of the channel. There it
face and separates the two channels. enters a screw conveyor that runs continuously and rotates very slowly,
The baffle wall keeps the turbulence
in the aerated grit channel from removing and dewatering the grease.
transferring to the grease channel. LARRY WILLINGHAM
The grease needs a quiescent area
where it can float on the surface. The air rolls that agitates the grit and sep- : How much operator attention does this system require?
arates the organics also assists in floating the grease to the surface and to the Willingham: The system is highly automated. Mainly, it just needs a
other channel. The grease slips underneath the baffle wall and onto the sur- periodic visual inspection. Operators have flexibility to use a touch screen
face of the grease channel, where we remove it with an air/water skimming to adjust the sequence time for grit pump operation based on the character-
mechanism. istics of the grit.

: How does the skimming mechanism function?


Willingham: The skimming system directs air or water onto the sur-
face and transports the floating grease and scum to the far end of the chan-

tpomag.com March 2017 57


EXHIBITOR LIST
A.R. North America Hydra-Flex Spartan Tool
Allan J. Coleman KEG Technologies Texas Undergound
Cam Spray Medit (PipeHunter)
CLS Equipment Co. Nozzteq TRIC Tools
CUES NVE Ultra Shore
GapVax Perma-Liner Vac-Con
Green Equipment Co. Pipe Lining Supply - Missouri Zoeller
Heil of Texas Sewer Equipment

List current as of 2-2-17.


Additional companies being added daily.
Please check the website for updates.
product focus less, positive displacement pump
used for the conveyance of viscous
and abrasive materials. There are

Pumps BLUEline Rotary Lobe Pump


from Boerger ible
21 pump models in six series with
pulsation-free operation, fully revers-
rotation, dry-run capabilities and flow
By Craig Mandli
rates up to 7,500 gpm. They are stable and
wear-resistant with MIP-Design (Maintenance in Place) that allows for
Archimedes/Screw Pumps all wetted parts to be easily replaced through the front cover without the
removal of pipe or drive systems. 612/435-7300; www.boerger.com
SCHREIBER TUBE-MOUNTED SCREW PUMP
The tube-mounted screw pump from FLYGT - A XYLEM BRAND
Schreiber incorporates the Archimedean CONCERTOR
screw pump concept in a self-contained The Concertor smart, interconnected waste-
unit for ease of installation and con- water pumping system from Flygt - a Xylem Brand
struction. It transports liquid inside a senses the operating conditions of its environ-
stationary tube, simplifying design and ment, adapts its performance in real time and
eliminating grouting. Units are factory provides feedback to pumping station operators.
assembled and can be set at a fixed angle, Tube-mounted screw pump It offers an energy savings of up to 70 percent
from Schreiber
or the lower end can be supported by a compared to a conventional pumping system, a
hoist to vary the pump angle and for maintenance access. The pump reduced inventory by up to 80 percent
Concertor pumping system
provides variable capacity at constant speed. It uses a single-row spher- due to flexible performance, and clog-
from Flygt - a Xylem Brand
ical roller and self-aligning combination radial/thrust lower support free pumping operation and clean wet
bearing. A flanged bearing provides radial support at the upper shaft. wells saving up to 80 percent in vacuum cleaning costs. Its compact design
205/655-7466; www.schreiberwater.com allows for a reduction in cabinet size by up to 50 percent. It offers a wide
performance field from which to choose the right operating point, mak-
ing the selection simple and facilitating performance fine-tuning. 855/995-
Centrifugal Pumps 4261; www.xylem.com

VAUGHAN COMPANY TRITON GRUNDFOS PUMPS SL AND SE


Triton screw centrifugal pumps Grundfos Pumps is extending its SL and SE range
from Vaughan Company handle thick of wastewater pumps to include medium, high and
biosolids, large or stringy solids, shear-sen- super-high hydraulic offerings from 12 to 42 hp. Designed
sitive fluids, and delicate or highly abrasive to handle raw, unscreened sewage, effluent and large
materials. They have non-overloading volumes of surface and process water, the extended
Triton screw centrifugal pumps power characteristics, heavy-duty power selection ensures high pump efficiencies over a
from Vaughan Company
frames and a flushless mechanical seal. wide range of demand and a large free passage of
A water-flushed mechanical seal or packing is available. 888/249-2467; solids at low vibrations. The extended range
www.chopperpumps.com SL and SE pumps from enables free passage of solids up to 5 inches, which
Grundfos Pumps
is ideal for large flows of raw sewage. Intelligent
and self-adaptive controls allow the pump to adjust to changing operat-
Chemical Feed Pumps ing conditions, while high-efficiency motors meet or exceed global stan-
dards. 800/921-7867; www.us.grundfos.com
HAYWARD FLOW CONTROL FLUID
HANDLING PRODUCTS POLYLOK PL-CPE4A
Hayward Flow Controls thermoplastic fluid The Polylok PL-CPE4A is a submersible 4/10 hp 115-volt
handling products can be used in the single-phase effluent pump with a 2-inch NPT vertical dis-
harshest chemical feed environments. charge. It has a maximum head of 38 feet and a maxi-
The complete family of solutions includes mum flow of 56 gpm. The pump is designed with a 3,450
solenoid diaphragm metering pumps, rpm oil-filled permanent split-capacitor motor and has
Fluid handling products from
pressure relief and backpressure valves, Hayward Flow Control an amp rating of 6.6 for 115 volts, a rugged cast iron
calibration cylinders and columns, cor- housing and volute equipped with a cast iron vortex
poration stops and injection valves and quills. They are easy to install impeller capable of passing a 3/4-inch-diameter solid. The
and can help keep systems working with years of maintenance-free ser- stainless steel shaft is supported by two single-row
PL-CPE4A pump
vice. 336/712-9900; www.haywardflowcontrol.com oil-lubricated ball bearings. The shaft seal is an
from Polylok
inboard seal design with a secondary Exclusion V
seal. It has a 20-foot UL/CSA listed power cable suitable for submersible
Effluent Pumps service and fitted with a three-prong plug. The unit is supplied with an
integrated clip for the included piggyback mechanical float switch for
BOERGER BLUELINE ROTARY LOBE PUMP automatic operation. Other sizes and horsepower are available. 877/765-
The Boerger BLUEline Rotary Lobe Pump is a self-priming, valve- 9565; www.polylok.com

FREE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS RETURN FOLLOWING FORM

60 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Metering Pumps Solids/Sludge Pumps
NEPTUNE CHEMICAL PUMP COMPANY GORMAN-RUPP COMPANY
SERIES MP7000 ERADICATOR SOLIDS
The Series MP7000 mechanically actuated dia- MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
phragm metering pump from Neptune Chemical The Eradicator Solids Management
Pump Company is designed to be a low-flow version System upgrade kit for Super T Series self-
of the Series MP7100 metering pump. It is designed priming centrifugal pumps from
to provide reliable and accurate dosing of Series MP7000 metering Gorman-Rupp Company can handle Eradicator Solids
a wide range of mild to aggressive chem- pump from Neptune new sewage, poultry waste, plastic Management System from
Chemical Pump Company Gorman-Rupp Company
icals, including those used in industrial bags, hair and other stringy, clog-
and municipal water and wastewater treatment and chemical process- prone materials that may wreak havoc on pumps. The system con-
ing. They have capacities to 27 gph at operating pressures up to 235 psi, sists of a lightweight inspection cover, a back cover plate incorporating
and include a 10-1 turndown ratio via a micrometer-type knob with a an obstruction-free flow path, and an aggressive self-cleaning wear
high-contrast, easy-to-read scale. They are also available with a self- plate including laser-cut notches and grooves, along with a tooth
loading micrometer that prevents drift, and an automatic speed control designed to clear material from the eye of the impeller. It can be
with variable-frequency or SCR drive. All models include a standard 63 easily installed into existing Super T Series pumps in the field.
IEC motor adaptor. 215/699-8700; www.neptune1.com 419/755-1011; www.grpumps.com

Peristaltic Pumps HYDRA-TECH PUMPS S4THL


The S4THL 4-inch hydraulic-drive vortex-impel-
STENNER PUMP COMPANY ler trash pump from Hydra-Tech Pumps offers 3-inch
S SERIES solids handling and head capabilities up to 210 feet.
Built to NEMA 4X for demanding applications, It can be bolted directly into a pipeline or fitted with
the S Series peristaltic pump from Stenner Pump Com- a suction hose for underwater dredging. Combined
pany interfaces with process control sys- with HT50 to HT75 power units, it is capable of
S Series peristaltic pump from
tems through multiple programmable flows up to 1,000 gpm. This safe and variable-speed
Stenner Pump Company
inputs and outputs. Operational modes hydraulic-drive submersible pump can be used where
include scalable, invertible 4-20mA or 0-10 volts DC inputs, Hall Effect electric power is hazardous or impractical.
S4THL trash pump from
(frequency), PPM feed, pulse, timer and manual. Users can program up 570/645-3779; www.hydra-tech.com
Hydra-Tech Pumps
to three output relays in response to conditions such as tube leak, motor
drive fault, process alarms or transfer to a backup pump. The tubes life
expectancy can be programmed to initiate a tube change indicator on SCHWING BIOSET SMARTEC
the operating display when the set runtime is reached. Tube replace- The Smartec line of piston pumps from
ment without tools is standard with the QuickPro pump head. The totally Schwing Bioset easily convey high-
enclosed pump is outdoor rated and the brushless DC motor has ball- viscosity effluent with high sol-
bearing support. Agency listings include NEMA 4X, NSF 61 & 372, ids content. Ideally suited for
cULus indoor/outdoor and CE IP65. 800/683-2378; www.stenner.com effluent and organic waste, they
Smartec line of piston
are designed for plant managers seek- pumps from Schwing Bioset
ing to lower expenses and increase
Progressive Cavity Pumps overall efficiencies. They provide a low lifecycle cost, with standard-
ized control packages that allow for streamlined installation and
NOV EZSTRIP operation. They can help reduce maintenance, shorten service times
The EZstrip MIP progressing cavity and provide a quick return to pumping duty. They include single-
pump from NOV features quick and safe or twin-screw feed systems, side or top material feed configurations,
removal of the full drive train including a control module allowing for remote or local monitoring and con-
rotor, stator, shaft, rod and seal in minutes trol, and factory skid mounting for quick installation and
without electrical disconnection. Access operation. 715/247-3433; www.schwingbioset.com
covers provide 360-degree access to the
coupling rod and driveshaft for easy inspec-
tion. With its smooth-profile positive torque
EZstrip progressing
Submersible Pumps
split coupling rod, maintenance and assem-
cavity pump from NOV
bly times are reduced. The tie-bar-free BJM PUMPS SV SERIES
design allows the clamps to lock the stator securely in place, further SV Series solids-handling submersible pumps
reducing stator removal time by over 50 percent and improving safety from BJM Pumps have a nonclog design with
of common maintenance operations. The fixed support foot and stator vortex impellers. Their vortex action allows for
clamp assembly further aids rotor and stator removal. It is available in near port-sized passage of solids up
cast iron or stainless steel with a choice of rotor and stator materials to to 90 percent of pump outlet diam- SV Series from BJM Pump
suit individual applications. 832/424-7300; www.nov.com eter. They are designed for the han-

FREE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS RETURN FOLLOWING FORM

tpomag.com March 2017 61


product focus Pumps
and Modbus/TCP. With this added connectivity, they can be controlled
remotely via an internet connection, displaying a replica of the digital
keypad on a PC, tablet or smartphone. Alarm signals can be sent via
dling of raw effluent and wastewater containing solids, even with high email or text. It also communicates via relay commands and analog
grit content. Industrial applications include pumping high-viscosity liq- 4-20mA signals. It includes serial communication capability via various
uids, trash sumps, wood chips and other difficult services. They have a standards. 800/548-2169; www.dynamatic.com
304 stainless steel motor housing for corrosion and abrasion resistance,
and are available in sizes from 2 to 4 inches, in 1/3 to 10 hp, with flows GREYLINE INSTRUMENTS
to 726 gpm and heads to 48 feet. 877/256-7867; www.bjmpumps.com PSL 5.0
The PSL 5.0 pump station level control-
CRANE PUMPS & SYSTEMS BARNES ler from Greyline Instruments has redundant
SOLIDS HANDLING SERIES level sensing. It includes a non-contacting
The Barnes Solids Handling Series from ultrasonic sensor and can be connected to a
Crane Pumps & Systems is a munici- loop-powered pressure sensor for redundant
pal-quality line of submersible non- sensing in applications with foam or grease.
clog pumps with 3- through 10-inch It will continuously recalibrate the pressure PSL 5.0 pump station
level controller from
discharge sizes and horsepower avail- sensor and automatically switch back and forth Greyline Instruments
ability from 2 to 150. The pumps from ultrasonic to the pressure sensor as
deliver clogging resistance by pro- required. It is designed for lift stations, wet wells and storage tanks. Cal-
Barnes Solids Handling Series
viding three impeller styles to match from Crane Pumps & Systems
ibration and relay setpoints are easy to enter through the user-friendly
varying solids loads. They have a keypad and menu system. An automatic pump runtime logging and
plug-and-play power cord that eliminates the need to pull power cords reporting system helps operators to plan pump maintenance and iden-
out of conduit in order to work on the pump. They provide flows up to tify lazy pumps before they fail. It includes an isolated 4-20mA output
4,000 gpm and heads to over 240 feet, including low-flow, high-head and six programmable control relays for pump control, pump alterna-
pumps with steep performance curves designed for low-flow connec- tion and level alarms. An intrinsically safe sensor and a built-in data log-
tions to existing pressure mains. 937/778- 8947; www.cranepumps.com ger are optional. 315/788-9500; www.greyline.com

PRIMEX PSLT
Vertical/Lift Station Pumps The PRIMEX PSLT provides a reliable and low-
maintenance solution for level control applications. The
SCREENCO SYSTEMS instrument measures the hydrostatic pressure of the
PATZ SHAFT DRIVE PUMPS water above the sensor and outputs a 4-20mA signal
Patz Shaft Drive Pumps, distributed by Screenco proportional to the level. The transmitter-wetted com-
Systems, are vertical pit pumps that can be used in ponents are designed to provide an electrical isola-
above-ground or underground storage tanks, and tion barrier while the protective diaphragm isolates
include choices of single- or three-phase electric motors. the pressure sensor from process material. It has an
They have high solids and grit capacities with large industry-standard 4-20mA, is two-wire-loop pow-
centrifugal pumps and hardened steel impellers. High ered, with an 18/2 shielded cable with vent tube,
capacities include the 3333 Series up to 500 gpm, and removable lock-in-place stabilizing weight, and
PSLT submersible level
the 4444 Series up to 1,580 gpm. They can be deployed has multiple ranges and cable lengths available.
transmitter from PRIMEX
in depths from 3 feet to 12 feet 8 inches. The 844/477-4639; www.primexcontrols.com
Patz Shaft Drive Pumps, 6000 and 8000 Series have a three-point hitch
distributed by
Screenco Systems with PTO drive and can offer up to 3,500 gpm SEE WATER WS SERIES
at depths from 6 to 12 feet. They can be used Intrinsically safe WS Series pump control pan-
with an agitator nozzle to mix and pump fast. The 616 vertical prop agi- els from See Water are designed for dewatering
tator is capable of mixing at 9,000 gpm, keeping grit and solids mixed applications in hazardous locations. The pump
at pit depths of 6 to 16 feet. 208/790-8770; www.screencosystems.com panels provide intrinsically safe circuit extensions
for one or two pumps for sewage pump chambers,
grinder pumps, sump pump basins and lift
Pump Controls stations. They come standard with clear- WS Series pump control
panels from See Water
front NEMA-4X polycarbonate enclosures,
DSI DYNAMATIC EC-2000 alarm visual indicators, and are UL 698 approved. All systems are UL
The EC-2000 digital universal con- listed for the U.S. and Canada. 888/733-9283; www.seewaterinc.com
troller from DSI Dynamatic is suitable
for any brand of eddy current drive. It SENSAPHONE SENTINEL PRO
has the option of being equipped for Eth- The Sentinel PRO cloud-based system from Sensaphone provides
ernet IP communication, simplifying EC-2000 digital universal remote monitoring of equipment and environmental conditions in water
the installation and setup of the con- controller from DSI Dynamatic and wastewater applications. The system monitors, delivers alarms and
troller, and permitting all control com- datalogs input/output points from third-party Modbus sensors, trans-
munication to be transmitted over a single pair of wires. Compatible ducers and programmable logic controllers. It supports Modbus RTU/485
devices and protocols include those by Allen Bradley, Omron, Beckoff and Modbus TCP. Only one unit is required to monitor up to 64 Mod-

FREE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS RETURN FOLLOWING FORM

62 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


bus registers and 12 different digital or analog
status conditions including pump status, tank
level, flow rate, pressure, temperature, humid-
ity, water leaks and power failure. The system
sends alerts via phone, email or text. Users can 1.866.643.1010 ClearSpan.com/ADTPO
view data values in real time via sensaphone.net
or an iPhone/Android app. All sensor
readings are saved in the cloud, which
protects against data loss and provides
Sentinel PRO cloud-based
system from Sensaphone WE MANUFACTURE WE INSTALL
WE SAVE YOU MONEY
unlimited information storage. The standard system is Ethernet
based, but it is also available with a cellular option. 877/373-2700;
www.sensaphone.com

FREE INFO ON THIS PRODUCT RETURN FOLLOWING FORM BUILDINGS OF 1,000 USES
For FREE information on these products, check the box(es) below:
Archimedes/Screw Pumps
Schreiber tube-mounted screw pump
Centrifugal Pumps
Vaughan Company Triton screw centrifugal pumps
Chemical Feed Pumps
Hayward Flow Control Fluid Handling Products
Effluent Pumps
Boerger BLUEline Rotary Lobe Pump
Flygt - a Xylem Brand, Concertor pumping system Fabric Structures Hybrid Buildings Foundation Solutions
Grundfos Pumps SL and SE pumps Natural Light & Low Cost Per Sq Ft Benefits of Metal & Fabric Buildings Build Anywhere & Quick Construction
Polylok PL-CPE4A effluent pump
Metering Pumps ZERO PERCENT FINANCING AVAILABLE RESTRICTIONS
MAY APPLY

Neptune Chemical Pump Company Series MP7000 diaphragm metering pump FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX
Peristaltic Pumps
Stenner Pump Company S Series peristaltic pump
Progressive Cavity Pumps
NOV EZstrip progressing cavity pump
Solids/Sludge Pumps
Gorman-Rupp Company Eradicator Solids Management System
Hydra-Tech Pumps S4THL trash pump
Schwing Bioset Smartec line of piston pumps
Submersible Pumps
BJM Pumps SV Series solids-handling submersible pumps
WEMCO WSP
Crane Pumps & Systems Barnes Solids Handling Series
Vertical/Lift Station Pumps First choice for wastewater, sludge, and grit removal.
ScreenCo Systems Patz Shaft Drive Pumps WEMCO and WSP pump equipment provide proven
Pump Controls durability and peformance unmatched in the wastewater
DSI Dynamatic EC-2000 digital universal controller and sewage markets.
Greyline Instruments PSL 5.0 pump station level controller
PRIMEX PSLT submersible level transmitter
See Water WS Series pump control panels WEMCO Hydrogritter
Sensaphone Sentinel PRO cloud-based system
WEMCO Screw-Flow
FREE subscription to TPO magazine WEMCO Torque-Flow
WSP Self-Primer
PRINT NAME: TITLE: WSP Chop-Flow
FACILITY NAME:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

PHONE: CELL PHONE:

FAX: EMAIL:

Scan and email to: nicole.labeau@colepublishing.com O0317


Fax to: 715-546-3786
Mail to: COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes WI 54562 Tel 801.359.8731 Email wsp@mail.weir Web www.global.weir

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tpomag.com March 2017 63


case studies PUMPS
By Craig Mandli

Chemical metering pumps help eliminate Screw pumps solve high-lift pumping problem
vapor lock and loss of prime
Problem
Problem The Willmar (Minnesota) Wastewater Treatment Plant needed a single-
stage screw pump for 43.2 feet of lift.
A military base in Californias San Diego County has a water supply
and wastewater treatment plant to serve a population of 70,000. Diaphragm
metering pumps had been used to inject sodium hypochlorite into the Solution
wastewater treatment system. The cycle consists of a suction and discharge The plant installed three
phase. During the suction phase, gaseous chemicals were causing vapor Landustrie open screw
lock and causing the pump to lose prime. pumps (EPIC Interna-
tional). They pump 8,333
Solution gpm. The pumps, 84 inches
in diameter and 74 feet 6
The pumps were replaced
with two ProSeries-M MD-3 inches long, have solid one-
double-diaphragm metering piece ductile cast iron (not
pumps (Blue-White Indus- welded) upper and lower
tries) for beta testing. In dual shafts and flanges, and rein-
diaphragm configuration, when forced flight starts. They use self-aligning bearings.
the first diaphragm is in the suc-
tion phase, the second is in the RESULT
discharge phase. This helps cre- The screw pumps solved the lift problem, and have run without
ate a near-continuous sodium hypochlorite flow, preventing gas buildup incident since they were installed. 804/798-3939; www.epicintl.com
and loss of prime.

RESULT
The pumps delivered the chemical in the high-pressure applica-
tion and eliminated vapor lock. The pumps injected 12.5 to 18 percent Chemical feed pumps provide reliable
sodium hypochlorite at 5 to 10 gph at 90 to 120 psi. Smooth dosing service for ozone pretreatment
eliminated the need for a pulsation dampener. The installation was
simplified by the pumps drop-in-place design and built-in controls. Problem
714/893-8529; www.blue-white.com The 37 mgd William B. Cater Water Treatment Plant in Santa Barbara,
California, needed an upgrade to add ozone pretreatment facilities, includ-
ing a new metering pump system.

Solution
The plant team chose Encore

Its your 700 metering pumps (UGSI


Chemical Feed) for a durable

magazine.
hydraulic diaphragm and the econ-
omy, simplicity and serviceability of
mechanical diaphragm liquid ends.
It is driven by a rotating crankshaft
Tell your story. where eccentricity can be smoothly
adjusted during operation. The
pump valves operate efficiently and
with minimal vibration. Pumps are
available in six diaphragm sizes and
double simplex capability for capaci-
ties to 660 gph and back pressure to
175 psi.

RESULT
With minor maintenance, the pumps have metered 12.5 percent
sodium hypochlorite accurately and reliably. The pumps also deliver
the plants primary coagulant, a viscous blend of aluminum chlorohy-
Wed like to hear about your water or wastewater treatment operation. drate and polymer that weighs over 11 pounds per gallon and is corro-
Send your ideas for future articles to editor@tpomag.com sive to metals. 855/669-3845; www.ugsichemicalfeed.com

64 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


Wastecorp-final-1-4-2.pdf 1 2/3/16 2:00 PM
Wastecorp-final-1-4-2.pdf 1 2/3/16 2:00 PM
FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX

C
M

M
Y

Y
CM

CM
MY

MY
CY

CY
CMY

CMY
K

FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX

tpomag.com March 2017 65


product news

3
1

1. KOHLER LARGE DIESEL INDUSTRIAL 4. NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION NEMA


GENERATOR LINE PREMIUM PRODUCTS
KD Series large diesel industrial generators from KOHLER Power SINEWAVE OPTIMIZED motors and inverter-duty products for
Systems include sets in nodes between 800 and 4,200 kVA powered by a variable-speed pumping from Nidec Motor Corporation offer water
line of G-Drive engines. They are designed to meet global emissions industry customers two certified NEMA Premium efficient vertical hol-
regulations and are highly customizable to match an end users specific low shaft product lines. SINEWAVE OPTIMIZED motors, from 7 1/2
requirements. Multiple options are available to ensure optimal perfor- to 600 hp, meet DOE efficiency requirements and provide a lower-cost
mance for the most demanding applications. Products are designed for alternative to inverter-duty motors, and provide construction and reli-
high ambient temperature conditions. Thanks to high technology regula- ability. U.S. MOTORS brand inverter-duty motors, from 15 to 600 hp,
tion and monitoring control systems on each component, they offer a very have features designed to protect against the punishing effects of pulse-
high power quality and transient response in compliance with the most width modulation waveforms generated by inverters. The ACCU-
stringent regulations standards. 800/544-2444; www.kohlerpower.com SERIES line of drives and panels deliver high wire-to-water efficiency.
888/637-7333; www.nidec-motor.com
2. GRUNDFOS REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) system provides facility
managers and engineers remote access and control to data and alarms For FREE information on these products, check the box(es) below:
from pumps, controllers and auxiliary equipment such as sensors and
1. KOHLER Power Systems KD Series large diesel industrial generators
meters. The secure internet-based system saves time and cost by reduc- 2. Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) system
ing the need for onsite inspection, and is designed for pump installa- 3. Endress+Hauser Cerabar PMP11, 21 and 23 pressure transducers
tions in various water infrastructure and commercial applications. A 4. Nidec Motor Corporation SINEWAVE OPTIMIZED motors and
user-friendly interface provides a complete overview of system opera- inverter-duty products
tion, including energy consumption and performance. Scheduling capa- Blue-White Industries FLEXFLO A-100N polymer pump
bilities help streamline necessary maintenance work and plan who will Fluid Components International (FCI) ST51A thermal mass flowmeter
respond to alarms. 800/921-7867; www.us.grundfos.com FREE subscription to TPO magazine

3. ENDRESS+HAUSER PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS PRINT NAME: TITLE:


Cerabar PMP11, 21 and 23 pressure transducers from Endress+
Hauser measure up to 6,000 psi and are factory spanable to specific FACILITY NAME:

application requirements. They are available with threaded or welded


MAILING ADDRESS:
hygienic process connections, meet a variety of industry standards
including FDA, FM, IEC and Ex, and provide 4-20mA or 0- to 10-volt CITY: STATE: ZIP:
output signals. PMP11 and PMP21 measure pressures from -15 to 6,000
PHONE: CELL PHONE:
psi at temperatures from -40 to 212 degrees F with accuracy of 0.5 and
0.3 percent, respectively. PMP23 pressure transducers measure pres- FAX: EMAIL:
sures from -15 to 600 psi at temperatures from 14 to 212 degrees F with
Scan and email to: nicole.labeau@colepublishing.com O0317
accuracy of 0.3 percent. 888/363-7377; www.us.endress.com
Fax to: 715-546-3786
Mail to: COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes WI 54562
FREE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS RETURN FORM ABOVE

66 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


water: wastewater:
product spotlight product spotlight
A polymer pump solution Thermal mass flowmeter a fit for
By Craig Mandli
biogas systems
By Craig Mandli
T he F LEXF LO
A-100N polymer pump Fluid Components
from Blue-White Indus- International (FCI) has
tries is capable of han- expanded and improved its
d l i ng h ig h-v is cosit y compact thermal mass
polymers used in water flowmeter line with a new,
and wastewater treatment. advanced electronics design
According to Blue-White that features the addition
President Rob Gledhill, the of certified HART, Version
pumps built-in tube fail- 7, digital bus communica-
ure detection (TFD) sys- tion. The new model ST51A
tem can help eliminate FLEXFLO A-100N from Blue-White Industries thermal mass flowmeter
many of the problems from FCI provides users
that are often found in polymer feeding equipment. with an economical yet rug-
Common problems exist with current polymer metering pump ged solution for measuring
technologies used in the industry, including sticking or failing ball air or gas flows in demand-
check valves, loss of prime, expensive maintenance and rebuild kits, ing industrial applications,
high pulsations, and costly polymer spills due to pump failures, says including biogas. HART ST51A from Fluid
Gledhill. By selecting the FLEXFLO A-100N, these problems can be communication offers the Components
eliminated. A-100NP provides the perfect pump technology to precisely benefits of a regular inter- International (FCI)
and gently meter polymers. face, plus the ability to
If the TFD system senses tube failure, the pump will automatically make field configuration
shut off and energize a relay, permitting communication with external changes if needed, using a standard HART 475 communicator.
equipment, such as a backup pump or alarm. This technology virtu- Biogas production is typically a low-pressure and low-flow pro-
ally eliminates costly polymer spills and cleanup. In addition, no false cess, says Steve Cox, FCIs western regional sales manager. A flow-
triggering is caused by condensation and washdown procedures. meter that is used in that process needs to operate over a wide flow
TFD detects virtually any chemical solution, preventing costly range and include low-flow sensitivity.
spills, says Gledhill. The A-100NP is equipped with the ideal wetted The ST51A has a wide 100-1 turndown ratio, and has no moving parts.
materials for use with all liquid polymer feed applications, eliminat- It carries global agency approvals for Div.1/Zone 1 Ex installations,
ing potential compatibly problems. IP67 dust/water ingress protection and rugged, all-metal enclosures.
Gledhill points out that the TFDs polymer sensor technology makes Biogas can be very nasty on flowmeters, so its important that the
a major improvement over Blue-Whites older polymer feed pumps. meter you use be durable, says Cox. The ST51A works well in damp,
The TFD system incorporated in older-model polymer pumps dirty environments, so its a good fit for biogas flow measurement and
were not able to detect oil-based polymers, he says. These reengi- other moist gas applications.
neered pumps incorporate new, sophisticated technology in a revised The transmitter and electronics can be integrally mounted with
sensor assembly (TFD+) which enables it to detect virtually any chem- the flow element or remote mounted up to 100 feet away. Users have a
ical solution. choice of 24-volts DC or 85 to 265 Vac power. The transmitter enclo-
A-100NP pump models are self-priming. Their tube assemblies are sure is available in either epoxy-coated aluminum or stainless steel,
stamped with clearly visible part numbers for simple reorder. They pro- and can be ordered with either NPT or metric threaded cable ports.
vide precise chemical feed to 124 gph, with a max working pressure of According to Cox, the ST51A is an updated version of the companys
100 psi. A version is offered with a variable-speed motor, dial knob con- stalwart ST50 flowmeter, which was introduced in 2006.
trol and on/off switch, while an alternate version is equipped with a The biggest difference in the new model is the HART interface,
variable-speed motor and a digital control with remote and local control. says Cox. But the ST51A also operates at higher temperatures.
Blue-White sales engineer Bill McDowell says the research and The ST51A is calibrated to the users actual process conditions in
development phase of this particular model was extensive, as were test- one of FCIs 19 flow stands using NIST and ISO/IEC 17025 traceable
ing procedures. equipment, and is fully temperature compensated. For applications
Blue-White engineers have been working on the development of with limited straight-run, it can be supplied with and calibrated spe-
the new TFD+ sensor assembly for more than a year, says McDowell. cifically for use with Vortab flow conditioners to maintain optimal accu-
Our customers, representatives, distributors and field service techni- racy. The ST51A also carries a SIL rating, being independently evaluated
cians have been asking for this product for a few years now. Early test- by Exida and found to meet SIL 1 compliance.
ing and high interest from end users and distributors indicate this This is a unit that is configurable, but is designed to be plug-and-
product will provide a much-needed solution to a challenge in the field. play, says Cox. And, in many applications, you can install it and for-
714/893-8529; www.blue-white.com get about it. 800/854-1993; www.fluidcomponents.com

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tpomag.com March 2017 67


worth noting
events
March 1-2
International Conference on Water Management Modeling,

people/awards Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Brampton Hotel, Ontario, Canada.


Visit www.icwmm.org.

Adel Banoub, acting superintendent of the Woonsocket (Rhode Island) March 6-7
Wastewater Treatment Facility won the 2016 Rhode Island Alfred E. Pelo- Virginia Water Environment Association Industrial Waste and
quin Award from the New England Water Environment Association for excel- Pretreatment Conference, Omni Hotel, Charlottesville. Call 757/460-
7048 or visit www.vwea.org.
lent performance in wastewater operations and significant contributions to
the field. Banoub began at Woonsocket as a chemist in 1977. March 7-9
Flint Water Infrastructure Summit, Riverfront Banquet Center,
Walter Hilbert, chief of wastewater management for Suffolk County, Flint, Michigan. Visit www.michigan.gov.
New York, died of cancer at age 51. He was credited with helping spearhead
efforts to reduce nitrogen discharges and protect the areas water resources. March 12-15
AWWA South Carolina Section Annual Conference, Sheraton
Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Visit www.scwaters.org.
For the 10th straight year, the Gig Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant
received an Outstanding Performance Award from the Washington State March 14-15
Department of Ecology for meeting permit standards. AWWA Best Practices Water Audits and Loss Control Programs
Seminar, Holiday Inn Express Nashville (Tennessee) Downtown Hotel.
The Long Beach, Fort Columbia State Park and Willapa Regional Visit www.awwa.org.
wastewater treatment plants were honored by the Washington Department
March 19-22
of Ecology for perfect performance in 2015. Long Beach had perfect compli- AWWA 2017 Sustainable Water Management, Hotel Monteleone,
ance for the first time in 2008, and since then it has made the list every year New Orleans. Visit www.awwa.org.
except 2012. Fort Columbia achieved perfect compliance in 2009 and 2010.
Willapa achieved perfect compliance for the first time in 2014. March 20-23
Illinois Section AWWA WATERCON 2017, Crown Plaza, Spring-
Spartanburg Water, South Carolina, was named a Utility of the Future field. Visit www.isawwa.org.
Today for performance and innovation at its wastewater facilities under a March 21-22
program developed by the WEF. AWWA 2017 International Symposium on Inorganics, Detroit
Marriot at the Renaissance Center. Visit www.awwa.org.
Gary Hanson won the Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association 2016
George F. Bernauer Award, the associations highest honor. Hanson has oper- March 21-23
ated many treatment facilities since 1978, and continues to provide educa- Quebec Section AWWA Annual Conference, Palais Des Congres,
Montreal, Canada. Visit www.reseau-environnement.com.
tion and guidance to operators throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.
He is a project manager and wastewater technician for Short Elliott Hen- March 21-24
drickson, which has its corporate office in St. Paul, Minnesota. New Jersey Section AWWA Annual Conference, The Borgata
Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City. Visit www.njawwa.org.
New Jersey American Water promoted Kevin Kirwan to vice president
of operations and Kevin Keane to senior director of coastal operations. March 26-29
Missouri Section AWWA Annual Conference, Osage Beach. Visit
www.awwa-mo.org.
Anchorage (Alaska) Water & Wastewater Utility received the Engi-
neering News-Record Northwest Regions Water/Environment Best Projects March 29-31
Award and Safety Award. Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference, presented by the
Design-Build Institute of America, AWWA, WEF and the Water
The Washington Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office rec- Design-Build Council, Hilton Minneapolis. Call 202/454-7528 or visit
ognized Bainbridge Island with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Award for www.wef.org.
permit compliance and monitoring and reporting.
TPO invites your national, state or local association to post notices and
The Clayton County Water Authority won five 2016 awards from the news items in this column. Send contributions to editor@tpomag.com.
Georgia Association of Water Professionals:
Wastewater Lab Award (larger than 20 mgd)
Water Environment Federation Analyst Excellence Award The Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission was recognized as
Municipal Wastewater WEF Burke Award for Safety (Shoal Creek Water System of the Year from the South Carolina Rural Water Association.
Water Reclamation Facility) The commission also received a South Carolina Department of Health and
Top Maintenance Technician Award Environmental Control Facility Excellence award and an Award of Merit
Top Collection System Platinum Award from Engineering News-Record Southeast Water/Environment for the project
Distribution System Gold Award to replace the Forest Trails Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The city of Fremont Wastewater Treatment Plant received the Scott The National Association of Clean Water Agencies presented New Orleans;
Wilber Outstanding Facility Award from the Nebraska Water Environment Milwaukee; and Gresham, Oregon, with Peak Performance Awards for 100
Association for the 12th consecutive year. percent permit compliance.

68 TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR


industry news
Mainland Machinery names Edwards
senior mechanical engineer
Mainland Machinery has hired Kevin Edwards as
senior mechanical engineer. Edwards brings an extensive
background in material handling and mining, specializ-
Kevin Edwards
ing in mechanical, piping, industrial ventilation and dust
control design. For over 34 years, he has provided multinational firms and
government-owned companies his expertise in a variety of fields, most nota-
bly in mining, metals, oil sands, petrochemical, power generation and indus-
trial fields. Primarily partnering with the companys material handling
department, his skills will be utilized in the areas of concept development,
engineered solutions, technical designs and project management.

Singer Valve boosts


engineering department
with two new hires
The team members
are the greatest
Singer Valve announced the hire of resource at this plant.
Justin Arseneault as instrumentation They know it.
and automation engineer and Marc Li
Theyve been here forever.
as applications engineer. Arseneault
designs and programs Singers UL- Justin Arseneault They do the work.
Marc Li
approved industrial panels, provides Im support staff.
customer support for electronic products, is involved in training and research
I coordinate what they do,
and development, and does much of the technical manual writing. Li is
and the best way for me
focused on designing and implementing the optimal valve solution for spe-
cific customer requirements. He goes into the field to understand the full to do that is to listen to
scope of the project from which he designs the engineering solution and what they have to say.
works with the production team to provide the best solution. Nate Tillis
Operations and maintenance supervisor
Beloit (Wis.) Water Pollution Control FREE INFO SEE ADVERTISER INDEX
Treatment Facility

The Grand Island Wastewater Division was recognized at the Ameri-


can Public Works Association, Nebraska Water Environment Association The team members
are the greatest
and American Water Works Association conference with the Scott Wilbur resource at this plant.
They know it.
Outstanding Facility Award, Silver Safety Award, Scott Wilbur Large Facil-
Theyve been here forever.
ity Best in Class Award, and the Scott Wilbur Innovative Award. They do the work.
Im support staff.
The Lancaster Area Sewer Authority received the Collection System I coordinate what they do,
Safety Award and the Plant Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award and the best way for me
from the Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators to do that is to listen to
what they have to say.
Association.
Nate Tillis
Operations and maintenance supervisor

People.
Beloit (Wis.) Water Pollution Control
Sid Fredrickson, wastewater superintendent in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, Treatment Facility

retired after 30 years with the city. He began his tenure with the wastewater
department in 1991.

Tom Callaway, environmental services manager, retired after 34 years


with the city of Spearfish, South Dakota.

Melinda Ward, superintendent for the city of Eden Wastewater Treat-


ment Plant, received the 2016 William D. Hatfield Award from the North
The greatest natural resource.
Carolina Water Environment Association.

The Naval Air Station Whiting Field water management team earned
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Plant Operations Excel-
lence Award for the fifth consecutive year. People.
TPO welcomes your contributions to this listing. To recognize members of your The greatest natural resource.
team, please send notices of new hires, promotions, service milestones, certifications tpomag.com
or achievements to editor@tpomag.com. SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE

tpomag.com March 2017 69

tpomag.com
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
MARKETPLACE ADVERTISING

ScreenCO CLASSIFIED
Systems ADVERTISING
208-790-8770
www.ScreenCoSystems.com MARCH
sales@screencosystems.com

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